THE ARAPUNI BREAKDOWN.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LI, Issue 6, 6 December 1930, Page 3

THE ARAPUNI BREAKDOWN.

STATEMENT BY MR COATES. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Dec. 4. The Government’s action or inaction regarding Arapuni surely called for some very clear declaration on its part, said the Leader of the Opposition, Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, in a speech at Whangarei to-night. Mr Coates said he was curious at the apathy of the public concerning the peculiar attitude of the Government to the Arapuni project. . The delay might be the resu)t of political prejudice, said Mr Coates, for all must remember that certain members of Parliament and others, too, used the occurrence at Arapuni as a political weapon, and their castigations were levelled against the previous Administration and himself in particular. Since Juno there had been a minute inquiry into all phases of the possible causes, both geological and engineering. Professor Hornell’s opinion was sufficient to confound not only political critics, but also some of the egineering critics, and, further, it clearly showed the economic advantages of the scheme. Mr Coates said he believed if the Public Works engineers had been instructed to proceed with repairs soon after the stoppage Arapuni would long ago have been sending out thousands of kilowatts of energy at less cost to users than the present charges, and ultimately at a cost incomparable with any other source of supply. “But apart from my views, surely the political inaction apparently pursued calls for a frank statement bv the Government,” said Mr Coates. “Why the necessity for a model of the suggested remedial measures ? Is this model now being prepared in order that Ministers of tho Crown may clearly grasp the proposals for the repair work? I am sure my honourable friend the Minister of Public Works would himself require no such demonstration. A few blue prints and estimates of quantities and costs would be sufficient for him to decide and he could ask for more information if he deemed Professor Hornell’s or the department’s proposals unsatisfactory. “The Arapuni stoppage has necessitated the provision of a large amount of capital by the Auckland Electric Power Board to meet immediate requirements. In addition there is the Government’s proposals to install a steam plant at Huntly. All this capital expenditure must eventually be carried by the hydro-electric undertaking at Arapuni.” Mr Coates said he regretted that the Government did not set up the Royal Commission that he had asked for to go into all matters connected with Arapuni since the scheme was first suggested. That course he had earnestly wished for, and had it been followed Arapuni, he believed, would be nowproviding the industries of Auckland province with energy. “No one can say that there has not been tiresome delay, and it is high time that the question w-as settled,” Mr Coates added. “The Government must be frank, and I am sure the public would be interested to learn the views of the department.”