LAKE ROTOROA

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23319, 1 October 1945, Page 8

LAKE ROTOROA

Future Source Of Power (N.Z.P.A.) WELLINGTON, Sept. 27. The intention of the Works Department to propose the development of power from Lake Rotoroa when the appropriate time for it arose was mentioned by the Chief Electrical Engineer, Mr F. T. M. Kissel, at the National Conference of Power Supply Authorities to-day. Mr Kissel said this would be part of the ultimate plan tor the development of an electric power supply in the northern half of the South Island, but it was essential for the Department to use its resources at the right time and in the right place. The conference had before it a remit from the Waimea Electric Power Board asking that the Government be urged to proceed at the earliest possible moment with the linking of the northern part of the South Island with the South Island electrical grid system. Mr Kissel explained that this was on the programme for South Island development. The survey had been completed but the work had yet to be finally approved by the Government. He had no doubt that it would be approved. The erection of a permanent dam at the Cobb River at the earliest possible moment was also urged by the Waimea Power Board in a further remit. Mr Kissel, in reply to this, said this dam would be desirable in that it would increase the potential output of the Cobb scheme from 4000 to 36,000 or 40,000 kilowatts, depending on the size of the dam, but the cost of the dam was a considerable item to add to an undertaking already over-capitalised. The dam was going to cost about £200,000 and it had to be certain that it was going to hold water and going to be in the right place. The Department was investigating the matter and when it had completed its investigations and was satisfied to proceed, then he was sure it would have the approval of the Cabinet to do the job.