HYDROELECTRIC POWER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21774, 13 October 1932, Page 6

HYDROELECTRIC POWER

HIGH COST OF UNDERTAKINGS MINISTER DEFENDS EXPENDITURE. (Pek United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, October 12. The executive of the Power Boards’ Association met to-day, Air J. A. Nash, M.P., presiding. In his address, Mr J. G. Coates said that New Zealand was not out of tHe wood yet. However, it was encouraging to note the return of confidence in the trading community. He referred to the results attained at Ottawa as a remarkable move forward'in Empire organisation. Nevertheless, internal economics and an adjustment of costs in conformity with price level wore still responsibilities to bo shouldered by the Government and the community generally. It was perfectly true that the cost of hydro undertakings was exceedingly high in the light of the existing price level, but it was the cost of the times in which they were decided upon. No doubt many felt that it would have been more prudent not to spend money on them, but enterprise and confidence in the future, which was at the back of the undertakings, had kept the Dominion going. The consensus of opinion among those interested in the advancement of the country was definitely in favour of hydro-electricity. Speaking of the agricultural industry, he expressed the opinion that the supply of power already provided was not in excess of the demand. The advantage of State development of sources of supply was that the community generally would benefit.