MATTER OF MONEY

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10812, 31 January 1921, Page 4

MATTER OF MONEY

HYDRO-ELECTRIC DEVELOPMENT REQUESTS BY CANTERBURY. C *B: PRESS ASSOCIATION. CHRISTCHURCH', January 30. About one hundred cars went to Lake Coleridge to-day, taking 500 represen-, tainves from all parts of the North and! South Canterbury to meet the Hon. J G. Coates (Minister for Public Works). One of the worst south-west-storms on record was encountered, and caused several ears to return to town.! Addresses were given by Mr A. G.j Henderson (president of Progress; League), Mr Raymond (Mayor of Tim-; aru), and Mir Coates. Mr Henderson said for 30 or 40 years Canterbury had been moving along the high road in easy style. Lately, however, a spirit was growing that had not beeft known in Canterbury before, namely, to develop the province to the utmost of its resources. He wanted the Government to make mast af that spirit. It was desired that the Government should give help and encouragement in the direction of one of the principal things needed —electrical power. Greater results could be obtanned by extending the scheme at Lake Oolerndde than by any other in Canterbury. The province had the nucleus of a- great industrial settlement, but the hydro-elactrical scheme would have to be more fully developed. Mr Raymond said South Canterbury was anxious for electrical power, and was waiting to enjoy some of the ad. vantages. The Mir rater said that the Govern. meat 1 considered the development' of hydro-electrical power as essential, not only for the city, but for the back country as well. The Government recognised that the harnessing of water power was of immense advantage, in that, among other things, it would go a tong way in meeting the demand now made for octal. The coal position was a serious one. The Government operations were restricted, only by the amount of money it had for electrical development purposes. With regard to the question of the cost of new plant, he had to proceed carefully. He had certain tenders now which he had been recommended to accept, but before the agreed to them he would have to see that they were in the best interests of the country. He had no doubt that if double the power oould. be obtained from Lake Coleridge it could be sold in Canterbury, but other places had to be considered. There was nothing to prevent the Government going to the ultimate capacity of Lake Coleridge >ut the lack of manqy.