HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 5608, 8 December 1916, Page 3

HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER.

At the (meeting of the Wanganui Chamber of Mr A. Harris tnoved that the Chamber should 1 consider holding a conference of pubi lie bodies of the West Coast (at a date to be fixed), with the object of concerted action to induce the Government to provide hydro-electrical power at soime site “on this side of the Ruahine and Tararua ranges.” Mr Harris referred to the fact that an investigation was being fnade, of possible power sources in the area referred to. Waikaremoana was held to be the ideal site, but he doubter; whether power from that source would be available for knany years. Possibly a more modest scheme could be had. Mr Harris referred to the Wangaehu river as a* power source. The stream ,being snow fed, was remarkably consistent in volume. The President (Mr Williams), in seconding the motion, urged careful consideration of the question, Mr Alien Robinson said he did not think anyone round the table realised the amount of water required for power for Wanganui alone. Already there had been a report on the Wangawhero river as a possible source. He considered that even with : dams the Wangaehu river would supply power for a. limited area only. | The Wangaehu ran through a gorge formation, and he knew a point where the stream was not very deep and only 13 feet across. If Palmerston North, Fetiding * Marten and Raetihi had to he supplied as well, it was manifest it could not be done. Before they passed the resolution it would be better to know the amount j of power available. If th t > resolution i referred to Wanganui only, he would 1 be ready to support it. ! The President sugggested the conference should be held at the most suitable centre for the majority or the delegates-—Palmerston North, if necessary. x The motion was carried.