THE HORNELL REPORT.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 December 1930, Page 6

THE HORNELL REPORT.

The impression first gained from the explanation given by the New Plymouth Borough Council in regard. to the engagement of Professor Hornell to report upon its hydro-electrical undertakings is how widespread are the. repercussions of that bureaucratic interference with the ratepayers’ decision of a few years ago. Had reactionary forces been unsuccessful then the'. council’s plans would not have needed the alterations and modifications that have yet to stand the test of time. With the experiences at Mangahao and at Arapuni there is probably not the same certainty of belief as once existed in official circles that an interruption of supplies, of electric current from the main State hydrostations is a contingency too remote to warrant the .extension of local undertakings. Be .that 'as it may, the New Plymouth authority has had to shape its pl ails in conformity with the ideas and rulings of the Local Bodies’ Loans Board, and the Jiistory of the modifications this has necessitated in the development of the hydro-works, made public by the Mayor on Monday should give ratepayers a .-considerable amount oyer which to cogitate. . The present borough council, whether it liked it or not, has found it necessary to proceed with a certain amount of developmental work at Mangamahoe. Valley, not entirely for hydro-electrical works, but to provide an adequate water supply for a constantly growing community. The original plan of a comprehensive station—to be built id cer tain stages as the need for more power arose—was nullified by the Local Bodies’ Loans Board’s refusal to permit the necessary .finance to be obtained. The council has been assured, by. its expert officers that the modifications of the plan have .been made to dovetail into the portion 1 already completed. That portion cost considerably more than was estimated or justified, and it is obvious, to a layman that to amend' a comprehensive plan of which large engineering works are part is to open the way to or misjudgment, that might be very costly to the ratepayer. This can b.e said without in the slightest degree' reflecting upon the skill and diligence of the' council’s expert staff. It is common knowledge that doubt has been expressed, very clearly expressed, by “the man in the street” in regard to some of the work now being undertaken at Mangamahoe.; At such a time the council was afforded opportunity of obtaining an investigation and report by the foremost authority jn the world upon the undertaking as it is now allowed to. shape. Naturally, such air opinion had to be paid for, and at a high-rate. Whether the £l2OO that may be payable to Professor Hornell is a high or a low rate to pay, for his services will entirely depend upon the nature of his report. For. the moment no fair appraisement can fib made nor should be attempted. But for the principle of “safety first” . which prompted his engagement. by 'the council, there should be nothing but commendation.