SPEEDING UP OF NEW ELECTRIC POWER STATION WANTED.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18452, 1 May 1928, Page 11

SPEEDING UP OF NEW ELECTRIC POWER STATION WANTED.

COUNCIL ANTICIPATES SUPPLY SHORTAGE SOON

A report of the inspection made by representatives of the City Council of the proposed sites of the Waitaki hvdro-electric power scheme was made to last night’s meeting of the council by Councillor P. W. Sharpe, chairman of the Electricity Committee.

The report stated that the inquiry was concerned only with the progress of the Department’s investigations, and any comment on the merits or otherwise of the general proposal could not be included in the results of the brief

observations of such a visit. The impression gained was that the investigations were practically completed, and that the announcement as to which site was to be selected could now be expected within two or three weeks. The visit also strengthened the conviction that the undertaking was one of such a nature that a period of overload at Lake Coleridge was now inevitable. If the effects of this were to be minimised, unceasing efforts would be required to ensure the maximum rate of progress, and preparations should at once be completed for ensuring systematic endeavours towards that end. “GRAVE CONCERN.”

With regard to the position regarding the future of the electricity supply, the Electricity Committee recommended that the following resolution should be adopted and forwarded to the Government:—•

“That in view of the grave responsibility that rests upon electrical supply authorities in general, and (in consequence of its greater load) upon the Christchurch City Council in particular, to maintain an adequate supply of electricity to meet the growing demands, this council strongly urges upon the Government the early completion of a second source of supply to augment that from Lake Coleridge.

“ That the terms of the contract in which the Government has undertaken 'to give the necessary supply over a lengthy period, to (he Christchurch City Council, are such that the council views the present situation with grave concern, and fears that unless prompt and vigorous action is taken, there will be another period of overload at Lake Coleridge, sufficient to embarrass other supply authorities, and to prevent the City Council from securing full supply in the terms of its contract.

“ That in view of the fact that Christchurch City, in addition to the usual requirements of light, heat and power, is dependent upon the Government electrical supply for such vital services as its sewerage and water supply system, it is imperative that possible expedition be used in hastening the completion of the next source of power for Canterbury supply.”

As some of the councillors were not satisfied with the terms of the proposed resolution, the chairman agreed to hold it over till the next meeting.

Councillor Elizabeth M’Combs said that the present was a unique opportunity for the council to press its claim for the development of the Waimakariri scheme. The fact that the Government had definitely decided upon the Waitaki scheme was no reason why the council should not press its claim for the Waimakariri development. They knew that if they left the future development to the Government, they would only be faced with, a shortage of power. The Government had let them down time and time again, and the>‘ should endeavour to become masters of their own destiny.