WATER POWER.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXI, Issue 15331, 14 June 1910, Page 9

WATER POWER.

MR T. E. TAYLOR AND THE RIMU MINERS' ASSOCIATION. ' [From Our Cohrespondknt.] GREVMOUTH, June 13. Writing to the Rimu Miners' Association, Mr T. E. Taylor, M.P., says:— " I should like to inspect the waterpower question at close quarters so far as it rolates to your district, but I am afraid it will not be possible for me to visit the Coast before, the session opens. I know your district fairly well, however, and whilst you may bo able to show reasons why exceptions should be made in respect to the Rimu district, I am sure you cannot convince me that the sources of wealth, such as our water-power represent, should be permitted to bo made matters for private enterprise. 1 agree with public opinion on tho Coast to the extent that the Government has no right to hinder the progress and development of the mining industry by tying up the water-powers. If tho Government won't let private speculators exploit our natural wealth tiien the State should immediately carry out tho work itself. It is an insane proposal to block progress, and tho Government must do what it refusos to permit others to do. If the way opens for me to get over beforo Parliament assembles I will come, but it will bo upon' tho condition that you call a public meeting, at which, after I have inspected the country, I shall havo an opportunity of submitting a motion that the refusal to hand over the country's water-powers to private speculators is in the best future interests of the dominion. There aro issuos involved in the matter, about which tho people of your district feel so keenly, that affect the opportunities and well-being of the future men and women of New Zealand so much that there is room for wide differences of opinion regarding the Government's action."