THE WAIRUA FALLS.

Northern Advocate, 20 February 1911, Page 5

THE WAIRUA FALLS.

TO BE HARNESSED AT LAST,

This morning a deputation consisting of the Mayor (Mr T. H. Steadman) and a number of representative citizens Avaited upon Dr. Findlay to urge that the Wairua Falls be harnessed for electric power.

The Mayor said that Mr Crooks, a competent engineer, had reported upon a favorable scheme which had been placed before the Government, but it seemed as if the matter had disappeared from view.

Dr. Findlay replied that such was not the case as only last month Cabinet bad given authority for £100 to be spent in obtaining a proper survey of the work so as to give the Government more definite information. Mr Crooks had reported that a minimum of 1500 h.p. was available, of which Limestone Island would use 500 h.p., the balance to be divided between Whangarei and Dargaville. The GoA'ernment was prepared to undertake the work immediately the balance was definitely taken up. "Satisfy us," said Dr. Findlay, "that you can use the balance of the power, and I am authorised to say the scheme will be undertaken; in fact, I will Avire to Wellington to-day to ask Avhen the survey will be undertaken, so as to let you have some definite information before I leave."

The Mayor said he Avas confident that Dargaville could use 350 h.p. and the other 350 could easily be used in Whangarei. He recognised that the public service must have first call *'or such purposes as street lighting, but he knew of a client who was willing to take over 700 h.p.

"Well," replied the Minister, "put a business proposition before us and we will do the Avork."

The Mayor stated that he Avas confident the Borough Avould guarantee to the Government the cost of the 350 h p., and then could retail it out to the users.

Dr Findlay thought the suggestion i good one, and if Dargaville would 'o the same the Falls would soon be 'elivering electric power. He impressed upon the deputation what a val able asset the Falls were for elecric generating.