Waikaremoana

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XII, Issue 242, 26 September 1922, Page 5

Waikaremoana

4* DEPUTATION MEETS MINISTER. GOVERNMENT BIG-POWER PLAN RETARDED BY SMALL LOCAL SCHEMES. (Special to “Tribune.”) Parliament Building*, Sept 26. A deputation representing the Hawke’s Bay County Council and the boroughs of Napier. Hastings, and Waipukurau was introduced to the Minister for Public Works by Mr. Vigor Brown and Sir George Hunte.. They desired to know the Government's plans regarding the supply of hydro-electric power for the Hawke’s Bay country' districts. The, Minister was askod if it was desirable to develop a small supply locally pending the completion of the M aikaremoana scheme. It was stated that 0000 kilowats would be taken by the district, as follows:—Napier and Hawke's bay 3500. Wairoa 500, Gisborne 2000. “We have gone into the thing very thoroughly,” Mid the Ren. J. G. Coatee, "and we cannot ooniider anything but the policy of the three big key stations. We cannot *e back on that plan. All the argument is entirely in favour of the larger schemes. It may be more expensive for the first twenty yean, but it is undoubtedly best for tho future.” The Minister added that he was restricted in hydro-electric expenditure to £1,000,000 annually, and he had to consider commitments and work each scheme in with the other. There had been no delay at Whikaremoapa. Machinery to develop* 1000 horsepower would be running in a few weeks.' Of the £BO,OOO expended more than half had been on reading, which would enable heavier machinery to be transported when needed. Mr. Mason Chambers: If the local authorities started to develop local sources of power, would it put back the Waikaremoana scheme?The Minister: Yes; it would be on the shelf until the power demand was sufficient to warrant going on at Waikaremoana.