ELECTRIC POWER

Northern Advocate, 21 October 1935, Page 2

ELECTRIC POWER

SCHEME FOR PAR NORTH. MANGONUI COUNTY COUNCIL’S VIEWS. Mr W. Vickers, reporting to the Mangonui County Council, on Friday, regarding the Ohaeawai conference for the purpose of considering an electric power scheme for the Far North, said it had been pointed out by the Public Works representation that a comprehensive scheme would be much cheaper than several small schemes, and would make the power available to the country people as well as those in the towns. On what had been placed before them it would be advisable for Mangonui to support the big scheme. The Mangonui delegates had been greatly influenced by the promised expedition in making the power available at Okaibau within two years, from which centre the Power Board would have to distribute it. He was of the opinion that the lines should not be carried further north than Waipapakauri, in which case the area beyond that would be excluded from any rating. It had - been pointed out at the conference that only a few people in other parts where power boards had been formed had been called upon to pay rates, and very little at that. The cost of a load survey would be from £l5O to £250, which would be divided between the four northern counties, and town districts included in the area.

Cr, Thompson; “That might be refunded when the board is formed.” Cr. Wrathall said great work had been done at the conference, which apparently was Unanimous.

Messrs. Vickers, Barriball and Thompson V/ere appointed to represent the council on the provisional committee.