THE ADVENT OF HYDRO ELECTRICITY

Grey River Argus, 22 September 1932, Page 9

THE ADVENT OF HYDRO ELECTRICITY

■ NTIL light, power and heat are to be had from a 7j| | new source either more efficient or more economical. \Hjlie Grey disirict will for the future rely, in ail I probability, more and more upon the Arnold Biver as its means of electrical supply. Y esterday’s transfer from steam io hydro generation was the realisation of a popular ambition. That it was which inspired the first conceptions of an electrical service for this community. Prior to 1920, during Mr J. D. Lynch’s term at Mayor of Greymouth, the idea first took form, and Government as well as local engineers were invited to examine the possibilities. of harnessing streams in the district. It was then espoused, over twelve years ago, by Mr 11. F. Doogan and other public men, and there was set up, in 1922, a Power Board, which in 1923 engaged the National Electrical and Engineering Company, Christchurch, to submit, schemes both for steam generation and for hydro installations, either at the Crooked or Arnold Biver. Previously, however, before anybody (Ise made any move in the matter, the Arnold project had had an enthusiastic advocate in the late Charles I Uddstrom, who in his native country, Sweden, had, ere coming to New Zealand, many an object lesson of the utility of water power for electrical supply. The Board desired a supply of 2000 h.p., with the possibility of an additional 3000 h.p. It decided in favour of the Arnold, the Company’s engineer, Mr J. S. Langford, proposing a scheme there to cost £78,645, and to supply 1000 k.w. at an annual outlay of about £lO,OOO. The ratepayers early in 1924 sanctioned a loan of £BO,OOO, by a six to one majority, hut the Board then decided to substitute a steam plant, which was eventually,established at. Dobson, Mr Langford endorsing this change with a declaration that the original scheme would be too costly and too difficult. The switch-over occasioned a wave of public indignation, and when the next (‘lection came in 1925, the steam advocates sustained a reverse, the Board Chairman (Mr Doogan) losing his seat, while the champions of hydro, Messrs J. O’Brien, M.P., and .1, W. Greenslade, headed the poll. But the Board had now i been committed, the power station being in course of I erection, and early in 1926 the machinery began operation. Later in the year the advocates of water power, noting that within six months the consumers increased from about 130 to 670, considered that hydro should still be kept in view, and early in 1927 engaged Messrs Vickerman and Lancaster (whose offer to report the original Board had not accepted) to examine river sources of supply, their first recommendation being the Crooked River, but upon further examination they chose the Arnold. The Board’s Engineer, Mr Lythgoe, at this stage resigned, and the present engineer, Mr Trotter, who was promoted to succeed him, at once reported that the demand was so quickly growing as to threaten a shortage through, the incapacity of the existing plant. Mr Viekerman a few months later advised a change to hydro, and Mr Trotter strongly concurred. Instead, therefore, of adding to the steam plant, the Board decided on the Arnold sheme. The consumers now numbered over 1600. The members all went out and campaigned in favour of raising a loan of £llB,OOO, which the ratepayers approved by a two to one majority. The financial position improved, and the Arnold contract, was in the last quarter of 1929 put in hand. It was delayed in completion by many unforeseen difficulties, but last month saw it finished, and this month the Board took over the works, for which the contractor, Mr W. G. McKay, deserves full credit, in view of the exceptional emergencies overcome, the total cost of the installation having been £128,853. It is worthy of note that, while the plant is designed to yield 2500 k.w., the river’s capacity is 12,000 k.w., so that for many years to come it will' he very adequate for all requirements. Looking hack over the chequered career of the hydro project, its advocates may pardonably feel proud to see it now a reality. While giving every credit to the wisdom of 1 hose’who studied economy in other aspects, it may he expected, with the passing of years, that the hydro advocates will be able to show their’s was the true long- . time view.