POWER FROM HORAHORA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17691, 28 January 1921, Page 6

POWER FROM HORAHORA.

THE SUPPLY FOR AUCKLAND. WAIKATO BOARDS*' DUBIOUS. [BT TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] HAMILTON, Thursday. Matters relating to the supply of'electric power from the Horahora station -were discussed at a conference of delegates from power boards in the South Auckland district. Referring to the promise made by the Minister for Public Works, the Hon. J. G-. Coatee, to supply Auckland city with 2000 horse-power from Horahora, Mr. W. P. Gauvain, engineer to the Thames Board, eaid he did not see why the boards ehoudd object to the line to Auckland, as the Government at present had a lot of power running to waste. In 18 months* time Auckland would probably have its own steam plant. The South Auckland boards bad first call on the Horahora supply, even when augmented and the Auckland line would probably have the effect of forcing <,he Government to increase the plant at Horahora, where at present 3000 k.w. was generated, but where the capacity fully develoDed was 6000 k.w., while the Pokaiwhenua Stream was capable of producing a further IOOQ k.w. The Arapuni scheme was still in the air, and in any case it would take 10 years to complete if decided upon. Tt was 'most desirable to have a steam station on the route from Horahora to Auckland, both as an emergency and auxiliary supply. If the Government increased the Horahora plant it would reduce running expenses. The following resolution was carried : — " That this meeting views with apprehension the proposal to supply Auckland with 2000 horse-power, and, while not opposing this, wishes to point out the necessity for developing Horahora to its fullest capacity, in order to keep faith with the present power boards, in accordance with the promise made by Sir Wm. Fraser when Minister for Public Works." It was decided to form a league of power boards m the vicinity of Horahora, to bo known as the South Auckland Power Board League. The meeting resolved to protest against the increased rates to be charged by the Public Works Department for bulk supplies on the ground that no justifiable reason had been given.