ARAPUNI SITUATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20599, 25 June 1930, Page 12

ARAPUNI SITUATION.

IYEAR WITHOUT POWER. OFFICIAL STATEMENT. I COMPLEX DIFFICULTIES." FACTS FOE PARLIAMENT. I • GEOLOGISTS TO REPORT. [BT TELEGRAM. —SPECIAL REPORTER.] WELLINGTON. Tuesday. " There seems little doubt but that Arapuni will be out of action for at least 12 months," said tho Minister of Public Works, the Hon. W. B. Tavcrner, on his return to Wellington to-day from Dunedin,'' Mr. Taverner said he had received from his department a complete report on tho recent trouble at the hydro-electric works and the report would' bo placed before Cabinet at its next meeting, which, it'is understood, will probably take place to-morrow. After Cabinet has considered the report, a further statement will bo issued by the Minister.

The report now in the hands of the Minister deals only with what has occurred and does not include the engineers' recommendations as to what action should be taken in connection »with repairs, etc.

'Reports Expected This Week.

The engineers' proposals in that connection will be put forward in a subsequent report, which will be prepared after receipt and consideration of the geological report, which is now being prepared by Dr. E. Marsden, Dr. J. Henderson, and Dr. P. Marshall, of the Scientific and Industrial Research Department, and Professor J. A. Bartrum, of Auckland University College. Dr. Marsden, Dr. Henderson and Dr. Marshall are expected to return to Wellington from Arapuni on Thursday morning and their report is expected almost immediately after their return. " The whole position is one of many and complex difficulties," said Mr. Taverner. " Complaint has been made during the last few days of a 'hush' policy in regard to Arapuni. I wish to make it quite clear that my object in insisting that all statements should be made through my own office was to ensure, in view of the many incorrect and more or less needlessly alarming statements that were being made, that only correct information should go out. I, as Minister, would not, of course, conceal anything, of an informatory nature which my engineers considered should bo made public.

Gravity ol Situation. l '; The gravity of the situation and the magnitude of the issues involved made such action imperative. I am very definitely of the opinion that it was the correct course to adopt. To refer to my action as a ' hush hush' policy is, to say the least, ridiculous. " I have nothing to hide in regard to Arapuni and I consider the public is entitled, and rightly so, to know just what the position is, but I certainly do not agree that any statements which may be made by persons speaking without full and complete knowledge should be taken ns official statements. " The situation at Arapuni is certainly serious and immediately Parliament meets, I intend to take the first opportunity of placing all the facts before the House. The full details of what has occurred will be v included in that statement, but in tlie meantime I do insist that whatever statements are made must be authentic, and for that reason be dealt with by myself as the official head of the department." OUTLOOK AT WAITOMO.

SEEKING NEW SUPPLY. HELP FROM WAIRERE POSSIBLE. [BY TELEGRAPH- —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] ./ TE KTJITI, Tuesday. Apprehension was expressed by members' at the meeting of the Waitomo Power Board yesterday regarding supply of power. The chairman, Mr. A. V. Simms, reported that he had recently been in communication with Mr. W. J. Broadfoot, M.P. for Waitomo, in respect of the suggestion for a supply for the Waitomo board's area from Wairere. As a result of a ;letter sent to the department by Mr. Broadfoot a Public Works engineer had recently visited Wairere. The board expressed appreciation of the fact that the department had sent an engineer, which showed that the department was alivo to tho urgency of the situation. It was stated that at present the Wairere board could provide tho Waitomo board with 150 k.v.a., which would helpj but if Wairere were fully developed Waitomo could be supplied with all the power it required. Mr. Lee said he hoped the Government would do everything possible to relievo the position and avail itself of every possible source of supply. With the increase in the demand for power even if a lino were run from Wairere to Hangatiki it would eventually be of use. If there was a possibility of Wairere assisting tho situation advantage should bo taken of it. POWER FOR THE TRAMS. AMFLE SUPPLY NEEDED. REQUEST TO GOVERNMENT. The Auckland Transport Board decided yesterday to ask the Public Works Department to provide a temporary supply of electric-power pending the solution of the difficulties at Arapuni. Some misgivings were entertained that the Auckland Electric-Power Board might not be able to cope with the problem at peak-loading times, with unfortunate results for the tramway system, which is dependant upon electric current. "Is the trouble at Arapuni going to affect our tramway extensions?'! asked Mr. M. J. Coyle. The manager, Mr. A. E. Ford, said no /official communication had been received from the Power Board, but it was known that the King's Wharf steam plant, which was now supplying the city in place of Arapuni, was running to the limits of its capacity. The position was an unsafe ono. Whether tho Power Board was in a position to supply tramway* power adequately at peak periods with the existing plant had yet to bo proved. The chairman, Mr. J. A. C. Allum, said the Power Board deserved to be congratulated on the prompt and efficient steps it had taken to deal with an emergency situation. Excellent work had been done at the King's Wharf station, but if public confidence was to be retained there must be some alternative supply. He moved that the Government be urged to provide some temporary form of supply pending the re-establishment of iArapuni. JTh® motion was carried.