HYDRO ELECTRIC POWER

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 21 December 1933, Page 6

HYDRO ELECTRIC POWER

DISTRICT PROPOSITION STATEMENT BY POWER BOARD CHAIRMAN Speaking to a “Mail” representative to-day, Mr 11. Everett, chairman of the Waimea Power Board, said that the Board had been approached by a private company on a. proposition to develop hydro-electric energy for the whole of the Power Board district, probably in the Cobb Valley. Mr Everett said it was impossible at this juncture to make a definite statement, as a definite proposition had not yet been put to the Board, but the present indications were that a proposition would be made to the Board which would warrant its most serious consideration. He would like to make it quite clear that the public interest was the first consideration of the Board. Fundamentally, it was a question of how the work, if actually decided on, should be done. If the company did the work the public would have the right to lake it over at any time. The rates charged the Power Board would not he in excess of the standard Government charges in New Zealand, that was to sav the hulk supplies from, tiie big hydro station!; throughout tlie country. The people would not be penalised in this respect, in fact they would at least ho in tho same position as if the Government did the work, and they would have the right to assume complete ownership at any time if they so desired. Mr Everett said he felt sure the public could rely on the Board to safeguard its interests, bolh in regard to the rights of public ownership and in securing for the people the benefits from any natural advantages which might he associated with the enterprise. lie hoped to he in a position to make a statement lalcr when definite details had been received by the Board.