THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1922. THE COST OF POWER.

Wairarapa Age, 11 October 1922, Page 4

THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1922. THE COST OF POWER.

The chairman of the Wairarapa Power Board made the important announcement yesterday that the Kourarau scheme, which was estimated to give 500 horse power, will now yield twice that amount, at a capital cost of only £22,000. This will enable the Board to meet a load of from 4000 to 5000 horse power. This is excellent news. It will warrant the Bpard in making a vigorous canvass to sell juice regardless of possible delay in the Mangahao current being ready. In this connection, we look forward with interest to the appearance of tftc promised booklet. Statements are being made every day which cast doubt on tho possibility of selling electricity cheaper than any other form of power. At the Tararua Board some members seemed willing to admit that electricity would be dearer than gas, kerosene or benzine: but contended that people would use it notwithstanding, on account of its cleanliness and convenience. It was siated, moreover, that the freedom from fumes meant "an increase of -}d per lb butter fat on account of the better flavour of the butter. The Wairarapa Board, however, does not rely on the convenience or the cleanliness of electricity to drive out the other forms of power. Air Cooper says the Board intends actually to sell electricity cheaper than any other power. He also points out, in regard to the low cost of power in Dunedin, that this is due in large measure to the gradually increasing consumption enabling the corporation to sell cheaper and cheaper. This is another strong argument for bringing in a maximum number of consumers as early as possible.