THE ARAPUNI SCHEME.

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

THE ARAPUNI SCHEME.

RUMOUR OF SHELVING. ;

POWER BOARD CONCERNED.

SITE TO BE INSPECTED.

■: A ; rumour hinting ;at - the possible shelving:'of the ' Arapuni hydro-electric scheme is -apparently being ; taken seriously by the Auckland Power Board. In consequence of information current among members of the board, it was decided "at yesterday's meeting to visit the scone of operations at Arapuni and make an inspection of the preliminary works now under construction.. "• Under a signed agreement with the Minister for Public Works, the board undertakes to purchase all its power requirements .from the department, the Government undertaking to commence work at Arapuni at once and deliver power in bulk to the board at a substation at Penrose by April 1, 1928. An offer by Mr. E. J. Darby, president of the Puketurua Development League, to conduct members of the board over the site at Arapuni. was readily accepted when his letter was read before the board yesterday. ' The writer stated that in view of the present situation existing in connection with development in the future of hydro-electricity at Arapuni, he was of opinion that a visit of inspection by the board to , the Ftte would be both opportune and valuable. Should the board favourably consider the suggestion he would provide cars for the visitors' conveyance ; between Putaruru station and the site. The party , would be provided with refreshments at Arapuni by the league, and, accommodation would be provided at Frankton en routev ; . .'.. The chairman, Mr. W. J. Holdsworth, moving the acceptance of the invitation, said that in view of the important- contract existing between the board and the Government, in consideration further of the fact that practically no attempt had been made to commence; this important work, and bearing in mind certain rumours of the scheme being shelved, the board should make it its business to ..become informed on all matters as soon as possible. He thought no better way could, be devised at present of bringing matters to a head than for the board to visit the site and see for itself what the position was. An important conference was: now pending, and he believed something definite would come of it, which possibly would have a very important bearidg on the situation. , .' ; ,'" The date of the visit was fixed for early next week.;,': ■;;" •.. '-'... ••-;': V'--/

ELEOTKIOITY TOR SUBURBS.

PROPOSALS OF THE BOARD:

The intentions of the Auckland Electric Power Board with regard to .the supply of power to the city and suburbs are contained in a report presented to the board yesterday by the engineer, Mr. A. Wyllie. • The report was prepared following a request from the Auckland Provincial Employers' Association for information on the point. ,: .;

The addition of 1500 kilowatts for direct current supply was being made in the centre of the city, stated •.'■'■' Mr. Wyllie, and 275 > kilowatts were being added at the Newmarket , substation for supply 'on that side of the '•' city. This power would be available. for distribution in the outside alternating .current area for 1 industrial and domestic purposes. Some, of the power was now available and the' remainder would be ready for ; distribution at the end of the Wean This power i was now available throughout Grey Lynn l and in Remuera, where the reticulation had just been completed.:* The reticulation \ of Epsom, south of Onslow Road, would be completed as soon as cable supplies arrived. These '". were expected -within .the next" eight or nine week's. '.■<■■- • ■■■ The reticulation ,of Mount : Eden, : from Mount Eden terminus to Prospect \ Rise, together with the branch streets for about a quarter of a mile on both: sides of the road, would be carried out at 1 the same time- 1 A beginning would -be \ made with the : reticulation :) in £ a portion l of : Mount; Albert; and a, further part of Mount Ecien district about the : end of this , month, > but there was a good deal of ; work to be done before current would be available' in these areas. .' ' t

•In addition to the power indicated, there would also be between 1000/ and 2000 kilowatts available , from Horahora in about 18 £ months' time. i This would fbe used for serving the southern area. , At a later date the board would announce when it > would be ready :-; to proceed toward Ellerslie and Onehunga. The report was adopted.