CONTROL OF WATER POWER.

Otago Witness, Issue 2950, 28 September 1910, Page 12

CONTROL OF WATER POWER.

APPLICATIONS TO THE STATE. (Fhom Otra Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, September 20. An amendment to the aid to Public Works and Land Bill was introduced by Governor's Message to-day, proposing to make provision, for the expenditure of £500,000 annually for the development of water power. The Leader of the Opposition, in the course of remarks taking exception to such a provision being included in this bill, said that a little time * ago an arrangement had been entered into with the Waihi Gold Mining Company under which the company developed power for itself. No exception could be taken to the principle of this arrangement. Mr Massey said he was quite prepared to vote money for roads and railways, but he was not prepared to vote £500,000 per annum to develop water power until he knew more about the Government's proposals. Mr Allen said there was a danger that the sum asked for .would not be used to develop water power, but would be diverted to the ordinary loan moneys. The Prime Minister said the Government had been in negotiation with two or more parties for the use of the water, but it had received information which led it to break off the negotiations and come to the conclusion that the State itself should develop the water power. The arrangement with the Waihi Company was satisfactory, and the Government could resume the power at any time. To prosecute the scheme vigorously, £500,000 a year would be required. Mr Massey : It is five times too much to begin with. Mr T. E. Taylor, in , the course of a short speech "supporting the Government's proposals, saiu the Whangarei people wanted the Wairoa Fall developed. He had visited the locality, and thought there was a large volume of water over the fall at times. Careful observations had not been taken to find out the volume all through the year. He had been told that at times there was little or no water—not sufficient to canrry a log over. Mr Mander : Oh, nonsense ! Mr Taylor said that information had been given him by a resident. He contended that observations* should have been taken over a period of years. _lhe enthusiasm of the people of Whangarei required to be carefully watched. The Minister of Mines (Hon. &■ M'Kenzie) said he had received an application from a member of the House on behalf of a syndicate which wanted to develop 10,000 horse power for the manufacture oi nitrates on one ot the West Coast sounds. He was of opinion that no more options should be given The Prime Minister agreed to introduce a separate Governor's message dealing with water power proposals.