New Era Opens with Advent of Cheap Hydro Electric Power

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19941, 27 October 1934, Page 5

New Era Opens with Advent of Cheap Hydro Electric Power

MESSAGE FROM THE MINSTER OF PUBLIC WORKS. “The completion of the new power station on the Waitaki River makes an additional 30,000 kilowatts available to the power users within reach of the Government transmission system. Additional loading can now be met wherever it may occur. It is particularly gratifying to me as the representative for this district in Parliament that this work should be located within my electorate. It is also particularly gratifying that it should have been completed and brought into operation whilst as Minister of Public Works I am in charge of the Public Works Department which has been responsible for the construction. In that capacity I wish particularly to thank and congratulate a most efficient staff of engineers and workmen, who by their co-ordinated efforts, have brought the great undertaking to a successful conclusion. “The districts of North Otago and South Canterbury in particular are to be congratulated in having this source of power located in their area. With the undoubted natural resources of a genial climate, fertile soil, deposits of limestone, combined with harbour and rail facilities, the possibilities unfolded by the advent of additional large supplies of cheap hydro-electric power must bring these areas into an even more favoured position than they occupy at present. Electricity as an aid to the domestic comfort of the householders or as the foundation for the establishment of extensive new manufacturing processes is now within our reach and it is desired and believed that these advantages will be full utilized.” JOHN BITCHENER, Minister of Public Works. Wellington, October 24, 1934.