HYDRO-ELECTRICITY.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume X, Issue 47, 7 February 1920, Page 5

HYDRO-ELECTRICITY.

THE SOUTHLAND ENTERPRISE

The first meeting of the Electric Power Board, held iu Invercargill (says the “Southland News’’) marks an important step towards the fruition of the scheme for the electrifi,cation of Southland. The address ■ delivered by the chairman, Mr. A. W. Rodger, who has been the prime mover, in this great enterprise, affords proof of the large amount of preliminary work that has been accomplished, and "ill inspire confidence that those entrusted with control will leave nothing undone to achieve success. It was pointed out that one of the most urgent matters for consideration would be that of labour, the engineer estimating that SCO men would be required for two years to complete the work, which it is estimated will cost a million sterling. Owing to the war’s ravages labour is scarce in most callings, and t ; o withdraw so many men from other avenues would accentuate the difficulty of prosecuting ordinary industries. To overcome this difficulty it is suggested tuat the Board should arrange for the passage of suitable immigrants with the necessary experience, who could be brought out in the sHTp conveying the material for the undertaking. Possibly some optimism may be encountered from Labour to this proposal, but as the men would necessarily be selected for fitness and character they and their families, as the chairman I pointed out, would become a valuable asset to Southland. There is no doubt that this part of the Dominion is on the eve of important developments, and the newcomers would be readily absorbed in agricultural and industrial pursuits. The chairman also referred to the necessity for educating the people in the use and management of electrical appliances, and for this purpose suggested the establishment of a demonstration bureau and school for electrical instruction in order that when the new service was at the disposal of the public they would have a thorough knowledge of how to use >t with safety and profit. The responsibilities which the Board sustains will constitute it one of the most important public bodies in Southland, and if the thoroughness of the foundation work is maintained the anticipations of the most sanguine in regard to the Monowai project should be realised.