PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

Otago Witness, Issue 3443, 9 March 1920, Page 51

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

METHODS CRITICISED. WELLINGTON, March .4. The methods of the Public Works "Department were discussed by the Chambera of Commerce Conference. Mr A./ Harris (Wanganui) moved—" That the Government be strongly urged to remove the construction and maintenajnce of hydro-electrio schemes from the Public Works Department and place these works in charge of a separato department; also to establish a board of control consisting of engineers and commercial men charged with full power to construct, maintain, and eontrfl all the hydro-electrio schemes which are authorised by Parliament, with a view to more energy being displayed out the schemes already authorised." The Public Works Department was bound to be swayed by local and political influences, said Mr Harris. A Minister of Public Works had to listen to the claims of districts and electorates, and this meant delay and waste. Hydro -electric development ought to be on strict business lines. Mr E. H. Crabbe (Palmerston North), in seconding (he. motion, said arrangements at Mangahao, for instance, showed lack of energy and lack of business method. Mr Parry had estimated that the Mangahao scheme could be completed in four years, but at the present rate of progress power would not be available for seven or eight years. Another point of importance, said Mr Orabbe. was the discontent that prevailed in the Public Works Department's electrical engineering- staff. Since the beginning of the year three or four engineers had resigned; two or three more were likely far leave the department, and a tradition—a bad tradition —waß its" rule to avoid spending the money too fast. That might suit political purposes, but it did not suit business men, who were waiting for the development of hydro-electric power. The power works should be placed under the control of --a separato department as soon as possible. The motion was carried unanimously.