THE COBB RIVER SCHEME

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 21 January 1939, Page 10

THE COBB RIVER SCHEME

(To The Editor) Sir,—lt is stated in an article published in “The Christchurch Press” of 18th January, 1939, that the Hume (Cobb River) Electric Power Company Limited propose to generate power for the Nelson District from the Cobb River without a dam. Does this mean that the company have abandoned or suspended the construction of a very important part of the Cobb scheme, namely, the specified big dam, which they assured the public would store sufficient water to generate ample power fur the requirements of the whole district for two years in the event of a drought or temporary failure of this small mountain stream? If so the public, especially the ratepayers of this city, are certainly entitled to be informed as to the true position, in view of the great expenditure involved and already made by costly additions to the City Council’s power house and reticulation. The interest and sinking fund for the many thousands of pounds already expended in this way will inevitably mean increased rates apparently without adequate guarantee of better services by cheaper light and power in the near future as anticipated.—l am, etc., H. G. BERRYMAN. Nelson, 19th January.