THE FUTURE OF ARAPUNI

Taranaki Daily News, 23 October 1930, Page 11

THE FUTURE OF ARAPUNI

SWEDISH EXPERT'S REPORT GRATIFICATION IN PARLIAMENT. MR. SEMPLE RETURNS TO ATTACK. By T«l«KT*ph-—Prc»® Association. Wellington, Last Night. The report of Professor Hornell on the Arapuni hydro-electric scheme was presented for consideration- in the House of Representatives to-day. .The Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates moved that the report be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, and said that it was pleasing that it was a report that would allay' public feelings. In addition to that, it very definitely upheld the development of the scheme. The report did not suggest that the full expenditure mentioned would be necessary before the 'turbines started work, again. It was a satisfactory feature that New Zealand’s own experts and engineers had emerged with, flying colours. Mr. Coates said he was satisfied that every precaution had-been taken, and n ° undue risk permitted in the development of the scheme. The .country would be well satisfied with the action, of the Government in bringing- Professor Hornell to the, Dominion to investigate the scheme. That action would lead to more complete confidence regarding the scheme. 1

Mr. R. Semple said he did not think Professor Hornell had said the last thing about tlie subject, and-to. his mind the report was a very unsatisfactory one. Professor Hornell had not had a firsthand opportunity of obtaining complete information, and he had not seen the effect, on the country when the scheme was in operation. Mr. Semple asserted that there was not a line in the report that guaranteed success when the remedial measures had been adopted. He was afraid that if ever the full power was harnessed at Arapuni it would be found that the report was worth nothing. Nature would have the last say. Professor Hornell had had no experience of volcanic country, whereas the former Government expert who had wrestled with New Zealand’s problems, had condemned this region. Mr. Semple believed there were men in New Zealand who knew more of the geological conditions of the country ?and who would be able to give better, proposals for meeting the situation. His desire was that more likely measures than those recommended by . Professor Hornell should be adopted if such measures could, be ascertained.

Mr. R. A. Wright said Mr. Semple had argued that Professor Hornell had no knowledge of volcanic country, but he had given no reasons for such a. contention. Mr. Wright added that he preferred to rely on the judgment of a man who was one of the most .pre-eminent-ly able of his calling in the world. He believed the,professor would not lightly risk his reputation. Mr. J.- MeCombe said he thought Mr. Semple had made out a sufficiently good case to warrant Cabinet having the question of Arapuni again thoroughly in-’ vestigated in the light of the criticism offered.

' Mr.- J/: S. - Fletcher .asked whether it was sound business to go on Arapuni. scheme. He alleged That • the people of the Dominion had been misled from start to finish as to its efficiency. He-consid’ered it was .absolutely a gamble and he contended that the Government should not ?spend more money on the scheme until there- was 1 a guarantee of a reasonable prospect .of success.

(Left Sitting.)