THE KAIKOURA STAR And COUNTY GAZETTE and RECORDER THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1936. ELECTRICAL SUPPLY

Kaikoura Star, Volume LVI, Issue 93, 26 November 1936, Page 2

THE KAIKOURA STAR And COUNTY GAZETTE and RECORDER THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1936. ELECTRICAL SUPPLY

For some years now we have advocated the harnessing of the Clarence River as a source for generating electric current, ami we feel convinced that ere long the rivet will be used for the purpose mentioned. At one time it appeared as if Blenheim might have adopted the ptoposal Io use the Clarence, but Waihopai secured the verdict ami we believe the people, of northern Marlborough have regretted the step ever since. However, there is hope yet of Kaikoura being linked up with the hydro-electric systems of the Dominion, as the Hon. R. Semple, Minister for Public Wonks, states that the next big job to l>e undertaken is an investigation of the whole business of electrical supply. The Minister made this announcement at Wairoa on Monday last. Air Semple said that he was not at ali satisfied with the general ramifications of the administration of the electrical industry throughout the Dominion. Ho wished to confess that he hail not yet had time to give the question much consideration, us all his time had been taken up with his two other Departments, Tnansport ami Public Works. “I intend Io have a look at the elect rival question next ,” said Mr Semple. ‘‘l intend to put the searchlight z of investigation on that the same as I have done on the other Departments.” He added that there was room for great, changes. Alto gether t lie Government hud £30,<190,009 invested in hydro-lectric undertakings—a big load for a. million ami a half people to .shoulder, ami he was not certain that they were getting the best service from it. The sales department was one that would have to be investigated. Electricity was a. privilege that every man and woman should enjoy, not at the maximum cost, but at the minimum, the Minister continued. He intendec to visit Victoria, ami have a look at the system here, and he also mentioned that two world-famous experts, who had been invited to advise the Victorian State Government on its electrical distribution, were to bo asked to give their aid also to the New Zealand Government. After he hail obtained all the information he could he was going to start and put things right. He was going to reduce overhead costs and bring down the <‘ost to the consumer. “That is our objective,” he said, ‘‘ami if we do not succeed hundreds of barkblock wives will burn their candles to their glaves.” Mi Semple said that so lar he had nor had lime to touch tho fringe of the problem, but he intended to got to the. bottom of it. In his efforts lie intended to exploit the best brains in the world. No hydro-electric system for the Dominion would be complete without the inclusion of Marlborough, and the Clarence River can supply the link between the Lake Coleridge and the Nelson systems. From what can bo gleaned lheie are few engineering difficulties to l.e overcome to secure power and Tight to cover the territory between Canterbury am! Nelson. It may be a big undertaking, but we me all aware that Mr Semple likes attacking a big job. and wo believe this one would also prove a big revenue, producer. At .the meeting of the Labour Party Social Committee last night the Chairman explained that as the visit of the Hon. R. Semple was not an official one. the County Council would not be taking auv action.