HYDROELECTRICITY.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXVI, Issue 18257, 16 August 1921, Page 5

HYDROELECTRICITY.

BIG DEPUTATION WAITS ON HON. COATES. 1 AUCKLAND’S NEEDS EMPHASISED. MINISTER GIVES ADVICE TO WANGANUI PEOPLE. POWER IS USELESS UNLESS CHEAP. STEAM PLANT FOLLY ILLUMINATED. (Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, August 15. A deputation from the HydroElectric League waited upon the Hon. Coatse to emphasise the need for power throughout the province and to offer the assistance of the League in whatever way it might be used for speedy development of Arapuni supply. The deputation was one of the largest and most representative for a long time, the majority of the local bodies of the metropolitan area and commercial and industrial organisations of the city having members present. Hon. J. G. Coates said they all realised the nded for cheap power. Cheapness of current was a vital factor. These schemes were of national importance, but the commercial aspect had to be considered. They should rest on a sound foundation, and pay their way without being assisted unduly by the State. Referring to authorities for power schemes, Hon. Coates reminded his hearers that authorities did not mean money. In regard to the Horahora plant, he said that at night there was a load going to waste. He proposed to offer this surplus, amounting to 1500 or 2000 horse-power, to this district for general use. In passing, he referred to the possibility of the local authority arranging to “feed in” to the line from Horahora power generated at Huntly. It would be cheaper to carry current than to carry coal. This, however, was merely his opinion. The question was one for the Auckland people to decide. The Department already had pojes for the line at various stations. and was importing copper wire and insulators. “Now we come to the question of finance,” proceeded the Minister, “and you want me to find £1,377,000” (Smil&s from the deputation). “I have already said that before I can make a start, with the exception of pottering work, finance must be secured, so that the Department may be in a position to see the project through in five years from the time work is commenced. That is still the position.” Until Mr. Massey returned he would be unable to say how the financial position was. Money could be got at a price, tome people said “Do not worry about the cost; get the work done.” He did not doubt that contractors would be willing to find the money at 6 per cent., but if that were done the contractors would “take it out of them” in another way. It would be far better to wait until the country could find the money. It was his humble opinion that the country would do the work. He was not going to be hustled off his feet. He was .going to try to keep calm and carry through the scheme on commercial lines. He realised that nowhere else in New Zealand were there such possibilities for the use of hydro-electric power, nor where there would be such a demand for power. Replying to a question whether the Government would consider granting a concession to anyone prepared to develop the whole scheme, the Minister indicated that while the Government would consider any proposal for development of power, he would not be in favour of concessions to private capitalists.