POWER FOR THE COUNTRY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19692, 20 January 1926, Page 11

POWER FOR THE COUNTRY.

SUPPLY TO LAWRENCE DISTRICT. OTAGO BOARD’S PROPOSALS. The supply of electric power for the Lawrence, Waitahuna and (Beaumont districts was discussed at yesterday’s meeting of the Otago Electric Power Board, when the Mayor of Lawrence (Mr J. K. Simpson) (was present, by request. Mr Simpson said that information in regard to the cost of reticulation of Lawrence and the district, was wanted by the Borough Council and the ratepayers wished to know what responsibility they would have to carry. Lawrence had its own water rights, from which it had been hoped originally to generate power for the district. The majority of the ratepayers, however, were in favour of joining the Otago Power Board’s district, as the board was likely to make a success of the supply. Mr Simpson said that if the board* received the support of the whole district, which included Waitahuna and Beaumont, power could bo supplied cheaper, compared with the district’s o)wu generating -nlant. Mr A. P. Aldridge, the board’s engineer, had estimated the cost of reticulation at approximately £24,000 or £25,000. Mr Simpson said that he had no objections to the cost but he was hi the dark as to the rate that might be struck to cover the cost. If the board could explain the probable liability of the district it would clear the path to a quicker conclusion of negotiations. The district wished to take the opportunity of accepting the offer; if the offer were declined, it would possibly be a long time before Lawrence was connected with an electric supply. The district had no desire to (wait for two years for electric power. The current was wanted immediately and Mr Aldridge had informed him that if arrangements were concluded shortly. power would! be switched on within a. year. Mr Aldridge said that three proposals had been placed before the council. The district, (which comprised 80 square miles, could join the inner area, (which made the ratepayers liable for any deficiency in the working of the scheme. A second proposal by the hoard was to reticulate and maintain the district, which would remain in the outer area, at a guarantee of £1250 yearly. No rate would ho struck and the ratepayers would individually agree to consume certain amounts of power, the revenue from which would total £1250. The supply of power in bulk at a cost of £875 year ly, the district to supply its own reticulation and maintenance, was the third proposal. Mr Simpson said that to obtain power in bulk was out of the question. As far ns ho could see, the district wanted the board to bear tho responsibility.

Mr Aldridge s;iid tliafc no difficulty would I>o found in raising tho guarantee of £1250.

Mr W. B. dial I awn y said Hint tlio board did not. reticulate with inferor quality material, but used standardised goods. That would be a point in favour of the board taking on tho work. After thanking the board for receiving him, Mr Simpson stated that he considered tho Lawrence Council would be foolish if it proceeded with its own scheme. The board decided that tho engineer and the chairman (Mr Jasper Clark) should address a meeting representative of the district at Lawrence in the first week in February.