POWER IN THE SOUTH

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 2670, 2 May 1925, Page 7

POWER IN THE SOUTH

ionawai Hydro Scheme Inaugurated

TREMENDOUS FACTOR IN DEVELOPMENT.

[Per Press Association.]

INVERCARGILL, Last Night.

Excellent weather favoured the opening of the Southland Electric Power Board's station at Monowal yesterday. The function created great public interest and fully 1000 people motored to the scene of the opening. The guests of the Board numbered 250 and consisted of Power Board members, representatives of the public bodies, the Southland Borough and leading business interests. Mr A. W. Rodger (chairman of the Board)', the Hons. J. G. Coates and G. J. Anderson and Sir Joseph Ward, formed the official party. After pleasing and successful opening ceremony, the gathering left Monowal for Invercargill late in the afternoon. In opening the-func-tion, Mr A. W. Rodger welcomed the large gathering on behalf of the Board. In passing he expressed sympathy with the Prime Minister in his serious illness.

The day marked an epoch in the history .of Southland. There had been difficulties with the scheme, but they had been overcome and ho believed that none could realise the effect it would have on the wealth and prosperity of the province. The Hon. J. G. Coates said Southland might rightly be termed the selfreliant provin :o of New Zealand. The development of electricity would have a great effect on the economic life of the people of New Zealand. _ The Dominion was able to use unlimited power. He sincerely hoped that the Board’s scope would in time be widened. Mr Coates then dealt with the ambitions of the Government In dealing with hydro-electric schemes. The State schemes would bo on a commercial basis. Ho was satisfied that in time they would pay a huge dividend. and the attractions of New Zealand would be increased. With care and well-thought-out schemes, the country would prosper and attract capital from overseas. In dealing with the Southland scheme, he pointed out that Southland was responsible for the main features of the Power Board Act. making 1 it possible for all to benefit by clectrcity and preventing economic waste. It was now incumbent upon all to take and use all the power they could, and later on, they would benefit by cheap ppwer, as the financial position would right itself. , “I am proud to-day to be a Southlander,” said the Hon. J. G. Anderson, "and as Southland develops, so will this comprehensive scheme.” The speaker continued that they were initiating a scheme that would be a tremendous factor in developing Southland and despite opposition, the courage and enthusiasm of the Board and people would guarantee the huge success of the scheme. . . Sir Joseph Ward said he joined with all in congratulating the Board on Us wonderful method of obtaining power for the use of man. There had been nothing more important done in New Zealand than the utilisation of waste water power. There is no counin the world,” said Sir Joseph, that is better geographically situated for the use of electrical power by water. As sure as I am spealkiing to-day, the time will come when electricity is used in ail departments of life throughout the Dominion. The speaker felt that if people expected the scheme to pay in a year or two, they would bo disappointed. They would have to do their bit and bylinking up would ultimately assure the success of the scheme.