HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 30, Issue 24, 26 March 1918, Page 2

HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER.

BUSINESS MEN'S VIEWS.

Hydro-electric power was tho subject of some discussion at tho annual meeting of the Industrial Corporation of New Zealand on Wednesday says the Post. The subject was introduced by Mr L. Joll (Auckland) in a brief paper. He dwelt on the necessity and saving of coal in production of electricity, the benefits of which he pointed out in detail, such as the reduction in risk from fire and the increase in power and lighting. He went on to point out that there were great sources of power running to waste in our rivers and lakes. Basing all industries on a hydro-electric system would mean that they would be solid and lasting. Mr Willis urged that electrical power would be as beneficial to the farmer as it Would to the manufacturers.

Mr Joll formally moved: “That this meeting of the New Zealand Industrial Corporation is of the opinion that steps should be taken to urge the Government to do all in its power to bring all parts of tho Dominion into line with Canterbury by developing the hydro-electric schemes for power, light, and heat." Mr Dearsley considered that they should take steps to utilise power for use in the homes, so as to provide la-bour-saving for those who have to carry on the work of the households.

Mr Black said that in Canterbury he had seen a motor driving two threshing machines. It was very simple, and the danger of lire was absolutely eliminated. It was also much more economical. Mr S. J. Harbut said the time had come when they must go to tho Government and insist on electric power being supplied. In the North there was any amount of power, and they should insist on the various schemes being put into operation. It was a scandalous shame that those who wanted to develop the country should be handicapped by want of power. They should create public opinion on the subject by loading an agitation. The Government at present put restrictions on the sale of benzine (it was £2 a case in the Waikato), but if there was a supply of electricity dwellers in such parts of the Dominion would be saved great expense. Mr Vickerman thought they should get the support of Chambers of Commerce in the agitation. They could not get too much help. The Farmers' Union would also be of great assistance. Mr Norwood thought they did not know quite enough about the electric current, and he considered they should by debates and consideration, arrive at a fuller knowledge, which would enable them to put a business proposition before the Government. For instance, they had to consider not only the cost of production, but the cost of distribution. They had also to consider whether the farmer would use the power if he could get it. They had not tackled the problem yet in the right way. He supported the proposal to put the matter before the Government, but he insisted that greater knowledge of the subject was required. Mr C. J. Ward thought it would be a good thing to form a fund to employ an expert who could supply reports of equal value to those supplied by the Government expert.. ~ DISCUSSION ADJOURNED. Mr W. Ferguson (chairman of the National Efficiency Board) said ha thought Mr Norwood had touched the most important keynote. One was very apt to be carried away by sentiment in this master. In some countries it had been found that the utilisation of water-power was too expensive. However, he believed that in the future water-power would be much more extensively used in New Zealand. As to Auckland, he thought something should be done. He considered that some relief could be gained by employing tho surplus power generated at Horohoro by the-Waihi Company. As to the Government,' he was not there to defend it, but it was a fact that it was impossible to get much of the material, and there was a shortage of labour. The Government should not be blamed as long as they knew that the Government was laying out its schemes for the future. He suggested that they should invite Mr Parry, the Government expert, to have a confidential talk with them. In the meantime, he quite agreed that they should create a public opinion on the subject. If, again, they were sura of the success of the scheme why not form a company on a big scale and put before the Government the request that it'should be allowed to take the work out of the hands of the Government and run the work itself ?

The Chairman (Mr F. J. Evans) said they would make an immediate attempt to secure Mr Parry’s attendance.

In view of the possibility of Mr Parry's attendance, the further consideration of the subject was adjourned.