RIVAL POWER SCHEME.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 26 June 1924, Page 6

RIVAL POWER SCHEME.

TEKAPO AND WAIMAK ARIRI• THE TIMARU—CHRISTCHURCH CONTROVERSY.

In ap. interview, the Mayor of Christchurch (Mr J. A. Flesher) said: -‘Tlio people hf Timaru appear to be under a misapprehension regarding; the attitude of Christchurch towards: their suggested Tekapo installation as compared with the Waimakariri installatin for tins city. So far as Christchurch is concerned there is no feeling of jealousy or antipathy or anything of tlie kind towards Timaru. Tho people of Christchurch will say if Timaru can get its Tekapo installation and iise the new plant to its fullest advantage in Timaru, good luck to them. But all the arguments in favour of Timaru having 7 the Tekapo installation apply with * greater force to the city of Christchurch in respect of the Waimakariri proposal. I understand that the proposed Tekapo ... installation will be about 70 iniles from Timaru, whereas the proposed installa- ; tion at the AVaimakariri for Christchurch is only 42 miles away from the city, and it is a well-known fact the nearer dhe source of supply is to the place of consumption the more ' efficient wifi be the system. I think that it is only, fair that this statement ■ as to the position of Christchiuoh, should be made in order to-allay the fears and suspicions of South Canter* burv. 1 'lf Over there was an occasion when the whole of Canterbury should pull together, it is to-day.” Mr A. F. Wright, a member of the executive .of the South Canterbury Progress League, said he had read with astonishment the observations of the business men of- -Timaru concerning -iha ’ Canterbury' Progress League. It was' ! ; wholly untrue to say that tho, League . was trying to dominate South Canter-.» ’' bury or to advocate the claims of. tha> city as against the interests of the province. A deputation from the League had visited Timaru by .'special invitation from the Mayor and leading citizens The aims and objects of; the Canterbury Progress League were:-: explained at a meeting called by the Mayor, and the members of the deputation made it quite clear, that tlie League was out to help Timaru to whatever extent possible m - any direc-. tion required. It was quite untrue to suggest that- the League had any, ulterior motive or any desire io encompass the absorption of Timaru. The Tekapo scheme had 'never been discussed formally by the ' Canterbury Progress League, and to say that 'he League was opposing it was quite untrue. As a matter of fact tlie individual members of the executive of the League all favoured the idea of the . Tekapo scheme for the benefit of Timaru, and would be willing to assist the southern town in securing .he necessary authority to proceed with the work.