HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER.

Kaikoura Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 38, 9 May 1924, Page 2

HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER.

MEETING IN KAIKOURA. A representative gathering attended the Oddfellows’ Hall last night to hear Mr A. J. Murray (a member of the Marlborough Power Board) in connection with the hydro-electric scheme, the Waihopi Stream and the Clarence River having been selected as the sources for generating power tor Marlborough. -\lr G. E. Parsons was elected chairman. and explained the objects of the meeting. Mr Murray apologised for not being present at the previous meeting, ami also expressed regret that more notice had not been given of the meeting that night. Mr 1. Boyd (County Chairman) was at present in Blenheim in connection with Land Board business. Air Murray stated that the engineers’ report regarding the schemes had been fully reported in the Star, and he thought it unnecessary to dwell upon the report, except to answer any questions asked. In the Clarence they had one of the best sources in New Zealand for developing the hydro-electric power, and if the Clarence River was adopted there would be ample power for all time. The Waihopi scheme would be a small affair in comparison. He had enquired why Kaikourn. had not been included in ihc Board’s scheme, but evidently Kaikoura had not signified its intention of being represented on the Board. The matter would have to go 1o the ratepayers, and under the present arrangements Kaikoura would not be representv<l. The members of the Board had been most considerate to him, and had agreed to defer its final decision for a. month in deference to his wishes. The Board would meet on Monday next, and he considered the people of Kaikoura should d.o something to stay proceedings ami avoid the Waihopi system being adopted. It would l)e a calamity if the Clarence was not adopted, as the river was capable of most efficient power for all time, and was a question next in importance to the completion of the South Island Main Trunk Railway. The Waihopi system would not extend below Seddon, in his opinion, whereas if the Clarance were accepted it could bo linked up with the Coleridge scheme, and Nelson, Blenheim, and Kaikoura would be provided for. The cost of the scheme would be lessened by the inclusion of Kaikoura, ami there would be ample power for nil time. If there was no protest from Kaikoura, Blenheim would no doubt adopt tlio Waihopi scheme, although the members of tHe Board realised that the Clarence was the best proposition. From Blenheim’s point of view no doubt the Clarence scheme was looked upon as too large an undertaking. Waihopi would develop .1960 h.p, but it was held that the scheme would pay almost immediately, as 1000 h.p. would be taken up almost at once. The question was. what would happen later on — the small h.p. of the Waihopi scheme was sufficient to condemn it. Waihopi would mean an expenditure of £7.5,000, and the Clarence £90,000. For £120,000 4000 h.p. could be developed from the Clarence, l)ut for 2000 h.p. the difference was only a matter of £15,000. For the development of Marlborough industries it would bo a calamity if the Waihopi scheme were adopted in preference to the Clarence. If Waihopi were selected Kaikoura would be left out for all time. The financing of the scheme would be arranged through the banks, guaranteed by rates. There was no ratepayers’ money to be found for inaugurating the scheme. It. was of the utmost import-ance-that Kaikoura should be. included in the Marlborough hydro-electric scheme. Tn reply to Air .1. Davidson Air Murray stated that the estimate for the ( Jarem c scheme was £90,000, as against £75,000 for Wgihopi, As matters rcjnained at present Kaikoura would not be included in the scheme. Mr G. E. Parsons said that Waihopi, from his experience Qf dry years, wouhl ji >1 develop sufficient power for even Blenheim, The stream could not be relied upon. He felt that the engineers had not seen the stream in a dry season. Power was most essential, and .Kaikoura should certainly use every effort to secure the adoption of the Clarence scheme. Mr R. Gibson said now was the opportune time to step in, as Waihopi would not assist Kaikoura. If there was a chance to get in now, Kaikoura should seize the opportunity. The Board would have power to rate in the Marlborough district, and if Kaikoura was to receive benelit it shojuld ‘be included in the Board’s district, and an effort be made to have the Clarence adopted. Mr Davidson said it appeared to him that Kaikoura was outside the area, ami that Blenheim had decided on the Waihopi scheme. They could say they wouLI take the Waihopi scheme or none. lie considered the Board had gone the wrong way about tbr matter, ano should have explored the Ularence to a greater extent. The Clarence River was- one of the best in the Dominion for hydro-electric purposes. Mr (l; I>. Smith said the Clarence was (he only sctiepie that would suit the whole of Alailborough, and Waihopi would be of no use to Kaikoura. Mr G, E, Parsons sugegsted that, two delegates should hr scat to interview Ihq Board, with n view to backing up Air Afarray, but eventually it was de cided that a petition he signed ami handed to Mr Al array for presentation to the Board, with a view to the Board deferring the matter and investigating further the claims of the Clarence as the source for generating power. All presept signed the petition, and several of those in wore appointed to obtain further signal arcs,' A hearly vote of thanks was accorded Mr Afarray for his address, ami for giving the people of Kaikoura an opportunity of expressing their* opinions or.) the. question of harnessing the ClarA vote of thanks to ijie Chairman terminated the proceedings.