THE ARAPUNI SCHEME.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18317, 6 February 1923, Page 6

THE ARAPUNI SCHEME.

So definitely has the Auckland Province accepted Arapuni as the source of electric power to be dej livered in bulk within five years, that i there should be no scope for the I rumour-monger to circulate stories of a possible shelving of the scheme. As such rumours have been given currency in the city, the Auckland Power Board is quite justified in recognising their existence. It is one of the parties to a solemn contract which lays upon it the obligation to purchase the whole of its requirements from current developed at Arapuni and delivered at Penrose on April 1, 1928, or earlier. It is therefore concerned to see such stories do not gain volume, to exercise, perhaps, a disturbing effect on the minds of prospective customers. The other party, the Government, should act with equal promptitude, now that publicity has been officially given to the matter. In addition to other pledges, it promised that once a decision was reached there would be no delay. As an earnest of that undertaking it might well keep the Power Board and the public constantly advised of all developments of the project. Nothing has been announced for some time. The best answer, therefore, that the Public Works Department could give to the rumours would be to state just what progress has been made with the preliminary planning, and when a commencement of work on a comprehensive scale may be expected., By the adoption and pursuit of such a policy of commendable publicity, it would enable those who contemplate utilising the current for municipal, industrial, or domestic purposes to lay their plans and , make arrangements well in advance of the consummation of their hopes. The re-

suit would ■; be progress without \ii break from the beginning of th« work to the full enjoyment of the results. :'f3 An' incidental consequence would be that no one would stop to listen to such rumours as those referred to at the Power Board meeting. j If allowed to pass unchallenged they j might work some small measure of harm ;to that great project . with which the Auckland Province will brook no trifling, the successful development of the Arapuni hydroelectric power scheme. J .."-