HUKA FALLS V. ARAPUNI.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18020, 20 February 1922, Page 4

HUKA FALLS V. ARAPUNI.

Sir.—lt seems, after all the meetings arguments, and persuasive powers of a few interested speculators, the Arapnni scheme is postponed sine die, and takes its proper place—that is, second to the Huka Falls scheme. Could Aucklanderi only realise the stupendous motor-power going to waste at their door they would have seen to the harnessing of the Huka Falls years ago. As Mr. Whitney says, no dam is required; the forces of natuw h&ve already provided the necessary gravitation. Dams of great magnitude built by the best of human skill have broken before now. Should such a tragedy e'rer'' happen at Arapuni, woe betide aB Wno live in the Waikato—lß miles of water let loose over a flat country. It must be fairly evident to most people what the result would be. The Huka has been mads for New Zealand, as Niagara was made for America. Thirty years ago the late Mr. J. 0. Firth went to America, and returcad to New Zoaland full of what he then saw of the possibilities of hydro-elec-tricity, expressing his views in the daily papers. Through his enterprise, Professor Forbefi was induced to come to New Zealand and report on harnessing the Huka Falls. A report was made after a month's investigation and placed before the Seddon Government, resulting in a short Bill being passed during the waning hours of tho session, reserving to the Govemor-in-Council the whole of the water-power in New Zealand. Thus one of the grandest schemes ever placed before a Government for the benefit of the whole of the North Island, especially the Auckland Province, was hung up. Had Professor Forbes' report on harnessing the Huka FaJs been allowed to see the light, Auckland would have been supplied with electricity 25 years ago. Capital from London was offered to carry out the work, which would have saved New Zealand from ooal strikes, labour troubles and unemployment. Tbore are millions of acres on the plains round Taupo Lake awaiting settlement, and with irrigation are capable of carrying a large and industrious population. Tauno Lako is situated in the exact centre of the North Island, and lends itself to paying out its lighting power to any part of the island; north, south, east or west, with equal advantage to all its everincreasing populateion. J.S.G.