HYDRO-ELECTRIC SCHEME

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23057, 7 December 1936, Page 6

HYDRO-ELECTRIC SCHEME

HUME PIPE COMPANY'S WORKS HARNESSING THE COBB RIVER (Per United Press Association) NELSON, Dec. 5. The Minister of Public Works (Mr R. Semple) turned the first sod of the standby plant c.t the Hume (Cobb River) Hydro-Electric Company's works at Stoke on Saturday afternoon before a large attendance. The Minister said that before giving authority to the company to harness the Cobb River he had given 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 development in every possible way. He had said " O.K. Go ahead," and he was glad the company had proceeded to work without delay. It would also lead to the development of industries which more and more New Zealand must leek to for its prosperity. It was his objective to see every home in New Zealand, no matter how far from the centres of population, equipped with all electrical conveniences, to the benefit of the man on the land and to assist all mothers in their household duties.

The Minister said he hoped that the water would soon be surging through the pipes, lighting up the whole countryside. Mr W. R. Hume, managing director of the Hume Pipe Company, presented the Minister with a commemorative gold spade to mark the occasion. THE UNDERTAKING JUSTIFIED MR SEMPLE'S ENDORSEMENT (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTON, Dec. 6. Full endorsement and support of the proposed Cobb Valley hydroelectric undertaking by the Hume (Cobb River) Electric Power Company for the supply of the Nelson t.lstrict with light and power and for the development of the mineral deposits in the Golden Bay district were given by the Minister of Public Works (Mr R. Semnle) at a banquet held in Nelson on Saturday night to mark the commencement of the company's operations in the Nelson area. "I am satisfied." the Minister said, " that the venture, or undertaking, for it is more than a venture, which which we have been associated to-day, will stand the test of time for Nelson and the surrounding districts. There is a huge amount of natural wealth near this town, and it is to be used to its full."