POWER IN NELSON

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22595, 7 December 1936, Page 12

POWER IN NELSON

NEW PROJECT COMMENCED MINISTER TURNS FIRST SOD [BY TF.I.F.CRAPH —PRKSS ASSOCIATION*] NELSON", Saturday The Minister of Public Works, the Hon. T?. Semple, turned the first sod for the stand-hv plant of the Hume (Cobb Hirer) Electric Power Company's works at Stoke this afternoon. There was a large attendance. The Minister said that before giving authority to the oompanv to harness the Cobb lliver he gave the matter very considerable thought, in order to make absolutely sure that the rights of the people were adequately safeguarded. "When he was satisfied on this point he felt it was his duty, in the interests of -the people, not only to allow the company to proceed, but to speed up the development in every possible way. Mr. Semple said he was glad the company had proceedpd to the work without delay. It would also lead to the development of industries which, more and more. New Zealand must look to for its prosperity. It was his objective to see that every home in New Zealand, no matter how far from the centres of population, was equipped with all electrical conveniences to benefit the man on the land and assist all mothers in their household duties. He hoped the water would soon be surging through the pipes and lighting tip the whole countryside.

Mr. W. R. Hume, managing director of the Hume Pipe Company, presented the Minister with a commemorative gold spade to mark tho occasion.

NORTH AUCKLAND BOARD NEW ACCOMMODATION PROPOSED [by tkleghaph—owx couukspondknt] DARGAVILLE, Saturday An inquiry into possible sites in Dargaville for offices and a showroom was decided upon at a meeting of the North Auckland Power Board yesterday. Mr. E. G. Appleton said he thought the board needed proper accommodation and he moved that steps be taken to secure a suitable site in Dargaville for offices and a showroom. " I think a move in this direction is premature," said Mr. J. A. S. Mackay. of Whangarei. lt The whole of the work we are doing at present is centred here, but it will soon be centred elsewhere, and the time has not arrived for us to decide definitely where the office:, should be." > . The motion was carried and Messrs. •T. A. McLean, E. G. Appleton and L. W. Nelson were appointed to investigate sites and report to tho next meeting.