HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18157, 31 January 1921, Page 6

HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER

THE LAKE COLERIDGE SCHEME.

ITS DEVELOPMENT URGED,

(Pee United Pa ess Association.) CHRISi'CHURCH, January 29.

At the gathering at .Lake Loiemige yesterday, Air A. G. lientiexson, president of the Canterbury Progress League, sard for 3J or 4{) years Canterbury had been moving along the high road in easy style. Lately, however, a spirit was growing that had not been known in Canterbury before, to develop the province to the utmost oi, its resources. Ire wanted the Government to mane the most of that spirit. It was desired that the Government should give help and encouragement in the du-ection ol one ol the principal things needed—electrical power. Greater results could be obtained by extending tne scheme at Lake Coleridge than by any other in Canterbury. I'he province had the nucleus of a great industrial settlement, but the hydroeleotrioal scheme would hate to be more fully developed. Air Raymond, Mayor of Timaru, said that South Canterbury was anxious for electrical power, and was waiting to enjoy some of its advantages. The Hon. J. G. Coates said that the Government considered the development of hydro-electrical power as essential, not only for the city, but for the- back, country as well. I'he Government recognised that the harnessing of water-power was of immense advantage in that, among other things, it would go a long way in meeting the demand now made for coal.- The coal position was a serious one. The Government's operations were restricted only by the amount of money it had for electrical development purposes. With regard to the question of the cost of a new plant, he had to proceed carefully. He Lad certain tenders now, which he had been recommended to accept, but before he agreed to them he would have to see that they were in the best interests of the country. He had no doubt if double the power could 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 but the lack of money.