SHIFT TO COUNTRY

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 55, Issue 32713, 15 May 1946, Page 8

SHIFT TO COUNTRY

ADVICE TO INDUSTRIES VALLEY POWER BOARD DISCUSSION BY THE MEMBERS At the May meeting of the Thames Valley Electric Power Board when the attempt by Auckland manufacturing interests to obtain increased power for Auckland at the expense of rural areas was under discussion, Mr C. C. Webb (Paeroa) remarked that since there was such a demand for industrial power, more industries should shift into the country districts.] He quoted thfe example of Paeroa, where three industries had recently become established employing some 70 hands, and considered that the establishment of such industries would go far towards stopping the muchquoted drift to the cities. More industries could be accommodated if buildings were supplied instead of cities getting the preference in housing. ■Mr W. C. Kennedy: Is Paeroa in the same position as Te Aroha in getting no tenders for houses? ■Mr Webb: We have one builder who will tender for State houses. The reason for others not tendering is in my opinion the fact that builders are a fairly, close corporation who refuse to tender at prices suitable to the Government. (New Zealand’s country districts and industries could' both be stimulated by the removal of businesses to the country areas, said Mr J. F. Mayn. In his opinion there was at present much waste of power in household consumption which could be avoided. Primary industry supply was the first concern for New Zealand, and today power for secondary industries came next.