THE ARAPUNT INQUIRY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17674, 8 January 1921, Page 6

THE ARAPUNT INQUIRY.

Auckland has long realised that Canterbury has gained a very valuable start in the matter of hydroelectric development. The figures given by the chief electrical engineer show that start to be greater than is generally appreciated. The Bchemes already authorised will give Canterbury 36,000 horse power, or considerably more power than will be derived from the Mangahao station and nearly as much as will be drawn from Lake Waikaremoana. With characteristic foresight the people of Christchurch are looking forward to the day when this will be insufficient and are raising the question of a further source of supply. Auckland, though the Cinderella of the hydro-electric districts, will not grudge Canterbury the good fortune which promises her at an early date the Bame electrical development as the cities close to Niagara Falls. Auckland may, however, be pardoned for reminding the Minister that the retardation of the Arapuni Bcheme is a very serious matter for her. Lack of hydro-electric power threatens to be the great industrial handicap of the city and province for several years and not a day should be avoidably lost in starting the work which will bring power in its cheapest form to the commercial metropolis of the Dominion. Mr. Coates announced more than a month ago that the committee which will determine the suitability of the Arapuni site had met and had spent some time considering the questions at issue. Is the committee still deliberating or has its report been presented? The issue is so imports ant that the committee should not be unduly hurried, yet Auckland's need of power is so great that there should be no unnecessary formality or delay.