HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER

Waikato Times, Volume 89, Issue 13889, 15 October 1918, Page 7

HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER

COMING TRIP TO ARAPUNI. Mr Phillips, chairman of th e Pukeatua branch of the Farmers' Union, was in Hamilton on Saturday. Speaking to a Waikato Times representative, he expressed the hope that the Arapuni hydro-electrical power scheme would not be set aside indefinitely. The proposed extension of the Horahora plant would perhaps meet the needs of Waikato, but would be quite insufficient for those of the Auckland province. In view of the growing demand for power—a demand which would surely increase as the supply increased, and was widely distributed—it would, in his opinion, be wise to go in for the larger scheme. Mr Phillips mentioned that the settlers of his district were anxious to co-operate with the local committee on the day of the proposed visit to Arapuni and Horahora (November 27th). They were willing to provide lunch, and do all in their power to.make the visit of the delegates interesting and enjoyable. H© suggested that the trip be made to the falls through Ohaupo and Te Awamutu. If this route was taken the motorists would have a good road all the way, and the cars could be taken to within 100 yards of the dam site. The provincial delegates should not be disappointed hy taking them only to Horahora. The round trip should be undertaken. Mr Phillips stated that he would have a plan of the proposed route of the railway from Te Awamutu to Putaruru, whinch runs alongside the dam site. He thought Mr Parry, the Government engineer, would be out-and-out for the Arapuni scheme —a view which is upheld by the people of the district, who are very anxious that the larger scheme shall be gone on with. The initial cost may be heavy, proportionately, but it will eventually be the better proposition. __^