POWER FOR SETTLERS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 13 October 1926, Page 12

POWER FOR SETTLERS.

EXTENDING THE SERVICE,

MACKENZIE CO-OPERATION ' NECESSARY. The question of linking up the Sutherlands, Cave, and outlying portions of the Levels district with a main line through to the Mackenzie, was the subject of a report by Mr ,T.’ R. Templin, consulting engineer, at yesterday’s meeting of the South Canterbury Electric Power Board. The. consulting engineer (Mr J. R. Templin)' stated that at the last meeting he was requested to report as to the possibilities of electricity for the Mackenzie- Countv. In December, 1925, he reported that the reticulation; including the purchase of the Fail-lie plant, would cost £30,000. He had again gone over his figures and found that it was impossible to carry out the work under the sum stated previously, which showed that it would be necessary to obtain an average of £l3 per year per consumer in order to make the work self-supporting. It also included £I3OO per year revenue in Fairlie, and he noted in the 1920 Public Works statement that the revenue from Fairlie was £1370. In view of the lack of support given up to the present time on the line from Pleasant Point to Cave, it did not look hopeful for an immediate extension to Fairlie. The ratepayers should understand that if sufficient revenue was not obtained on country constructions, deficiencies must be made lip out, of rates, and as it was the Board’s policy to make each line self-supporting, it did not appear to be an opportune time for the Mackenzie County to proceed with its work. It might be stated that the revenue required between Pleasant Point and the Cave had been based upon a supply as far as Cave only, and did not take into consideration the extra cost on this line to give a supply to Fairlie. Mr Talbot said he was sorry to see that, the engineer's report did not favour the line going through at the present stage. He mentioned at last meeting that Mackenzie was differently situated to other districts in that it had its own power scheme at Fairlie. He had then suggested that guarantees should first be obtained before taking a poll, being of the opinion that if those figures were obtained and put before the residents there would be a much better chance of carrying the poll. He had been assured that quite a number of residents over the Cave hill were desirous of obtaining power, and also a large number of those over the river at Raincliff. They were hoping that it could be obtained from the Levels side, but he had pointed out to them that it was against the policy of the Board to get into another area for in dividual consumers. They could see that a lot of discussion was eventuating over the matter, and he would like to see a canvass made of the district in order to' ascertain what could be done. He would assure them that there was a considerable demand for power in the Mackenzie district, and considered the time, was opportune to make some move, 'iff The chairman said that as far as the Cave line was concerned, it was only a temporary hold-up. The residents at Cave had heard that a line was going through to Fairlie and they did not see why it was necessary to give guarantees if a line was going through. Mr Kerr had suggested - holding meetings at Otipua and Cave, and he considered that it would be ■ advisable to do so and acquaint the residents of the position. Mr C. E. Kerr said that he be'l lieved a number of I-lazelijurn residents would also sign up for power 1 if they could get it, but it would' have to be explained that the necessary guarantees would have to be obtained before .anything could be done; On the Mackenzie side of the river 'there were numerous possible consumers, and he considered that a strong endeavour should be made to get the line up as far as Cave. It would then be a question as to how long would elapse before it was taken further. In accordance with the Board’s policy this should be made as much as possible a paying proposition up to that point. He agreed witii Mr Talbot that a canvass should be made of the Mackenzie district, and considered that if at all possible, the cost should bo borne by the Board. He also considered that if an assurance was given to the ratepayers that lines would not be put up unless they could pay their way the ratepayers of the ftlackenzie district would support the proposals. He strongly supported tiie policy of meetings at Cave and Otipua, and was prepared to do what he could to assist the holding (if such meetings. Mr Saunders asked if there was no possibility . of, bringing Cave township on to the line to, be taken to the Cave boundary. Otherwise he did not think sufficient guarantees could be obtained. The manager said that only one guarantee had heeu received from the township. The chairman said that the feeling of the residents was that it was not necessary to guarantee. Seeing preliminary operations being carried cut the residents took it for granted that a line was going through in any case. When it was explained that that was against the policy of the Board lie considered the guarantees would soon be forthcoming. The residents along the line were only being asked to guarantee the amounts necessary for their particular lines. ' Mr Angland asked if the consumers along the lino up to Cave would not have to carry the extra, burden until such time as Mackenzie came in. The chairman said that, the amounts - could lie spread over, but personally bo thought that if a poll was taken in the Mackenzie district, it would bo carried, and the -whole scheme could then lie' undertaken. Mr Saunders agreed that it-would be the bettor course to take the .Mackenzie poll immediately, as the Board would then know where , it stood, and could deal with the matter. The chairman said that Mr Angland was trying to create the impression that in certain districts the residents wouid have to carry the burden of other districts, which was uot so. On tiie motion of Mr Kerr, it was resolved that meetings be held at Cave. Sutherlands, and Otipua, and at other places if required. Mr B. Drinnan referred to the settlers at Motukaika, a number of whom, he said, were asking for power.. He suggested that a meeting' be also held at that place. Mr -TalhoL said that with Fairlieat present reticulated with a scheme of its own, a number of residents in the township would lie quite satisfied to go on as I bey'were, lienee bis anxiety to have tiie full ligures placed before the residents before a poll was taken.

In reply.to Mr Angland, Mr Talbot said the purchase »!' I.ho Fairlie plant would have to lie included in the proposal. Mr Tempi in said Unit the reticula-

tion in Fairlie was suitable for linking up with the scheme. Mr Saunders said he was sure that the Fairlie people would agree to the proposal when they realised their plant would be taken over and not scrapped. Mr Angland asked wliat the position would be if a .main line came through later from Tekapo. Mr Templin said that the power would have to be broken down at some point, and it would not affect the position. The chairman said that the Board had plenty of work ahead in Waimate but he thought it a pity oo leave the north end of the district without something being done. He considered that the next move should now come in the form of a request from Mackenzie for a supply. The matter could then be gone into by the Board’s officers and engineers, and a scheme drawn up for the approval of the residents.