HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16870, 7 June 1918, Page 6

HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER.

SCHEME FOR UTILISATION.

DISTRICT BOARDS SUGGESTED.

Is urging the utilisation <-1 the hydroelectric resources of the Dominion in the interests of the industrial development, of the country, in ail address, under the auspices of the Industrial Association, last night, the on. G. \Y. Russell propounded a scheme by which the expenditure involved in the harnessing of our water power could be met. "It is possible, '* •aid the Minister, " that on account of the heavy war commitments, the National Government may hesitate to proceed with tin' development work owing to the large expenditure involved. Under the I.oral Railways Act power is given to any district to make its own railways, subject to a number of conditions, three o: which are:—(l) That the lands affected are the security for the money borrowed for the purpose; (2) that the Government has power at- any time to take over the line ; (3) that in the event of it? doing so no goodwill shall bo paid. I see no reason why these principles should not be applied to hydro-electric power. It this weii? doue, and the Auckland hospital district taken as one unit —including the city and surrounding districts —there would be £44,500,000 worth of property places bio as security for the establishment- of a scheme for Auckland City and district. A board would be established, which could undertake the work without waiting even tor the conclusion of the war. If legislation were passed next- session, the necessary surveys, etc., could be undertaken without waiting for the starting of the Wnikarcmoana scheme, which is the next to be undertaken on the Government schedule. As the national nndei takings are extended and completed the local schemes could be. within touch of themand year«» of valuable time would be saved in harnessing the power in the interest of industry, commerce, and home life.