HYDRO-ELECTRICITY.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 12017, 6 March 1920, Page 7

HYDRO-ELECTRICITY.

Wellington, Marsh 4. The methods of the Public Works Department were discussed by the Chambers of Commerce Conference to-day. Mr Harris, Wanganui, moved: “That the Government be strongly urged to remove the construction and maintenance of hydro - electric schemes from the Public Works Department and place these works- in charge of a separate Department; also to establish a board of control, consisting of engineers and commercial men, charged v\ Ith full power to construct, maintain and control all the hydro-electric schemes which are authorised by Parliament, with a view to more energy Being displayed in carrying 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 7 and waste. Hydroelectric development ought to be on strict business lines. Mr E H Crabb, Palmerston North, in seconding the motion, said the arrangement at Mangahao, for instance, showed lack of energy and lack of business methods. Mr Parry had estimated that the Mangahao scheme could be completed in four years, but at present rate of pro-, gress power would not be available for seven or eight years. Another piont of importance, said Mr Orabh, 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, and two or three more were likely to leave. The Department had a tradition—a bad iraditlon. Its rule was to avoid spending the money too fast That might suit political purposes, hut 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 separate department as soon as possible. The motion was carried unanimously.