ELECTRIC POWER.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 12085, 24 June 1920, Page 8

ELECTRIC POWER.

Yesterday Mr Hubbard, Electrical Engineer of Feilding Borough, delivered a lengthy address to members of Marton Borough Council and representatives of Rangitikei County Council and Hunterville Town Board, in reference to the hydroelectric scheme for Rangitikei, Mauawatu, Oroua and Kiwitea Counties He explained that he did so merely as a private individual. The address dealt with many technicalities, and described what had been done by tne Thames Power Board. He suggested the formation of a Board covering; the Counties between Palmerstou and Wangßnui, and estimated the expenditure as follows: — Purchase of power in bulk £15,000, interest on £200,000 capital at §% per cent £II,OOO, maintenance and depreciation of lines, transformers, etc, at 7 per cent, £14,000. The difference between this and the estimated revenue from farming districts and the towns would leave a balance of £6350 for administration, so that a rate would probably be unnecessary. He detailed the proceedings to be taken for reticulation which will have to be done by the districts themselves, and urged speedy decision by Marton to secure a share of the power from Mangahao which will not be sufficient for the needs of all tho Wellington provincial district. He suggested formation of an Electric Power Board and the doing of all preliminary work, which will occupy time but will no t involvo much expenditure. He thought it possible that Wanganui would obtain power from the Wangaehn., perhaps earlier than the completion of the Mangahao scheme. He suggested that delegates beappointed to attend a meeting at Feilding to discuss matters in connection with the prospect. reply to questions Mr Hubbard gavß particulars of Feilding Borough's losses during the earlier years after institution of the electric scheme but said the revenue is now sufficient to pay interest and all capital charges, Feilding has also sanctioned large loans for extension.* Mr H H Richardson in thanking Mr Hubhard for the information supplied, pointed out the large area in Rangitikei Countj', and thought j his Council would support any I practical scheme for development and linking up the whole. On the motion of Cr Bill, who had presided in the absence through illness of the Mayor, Mr Kensington, seconded by Mr Taylor, representative of Hunterville Town Board, Mr Hubbard was accorded a hearty vote of thanks.