HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER.

Waikato Times, Volume 102, Issue 17133, 21 June 1927, Page 7

HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER.

THE LATEST RETURNS. WELLINGTON, Monday. Some of the achievements of hydroelectrical development in New Zealand were outlined by the Prime Minister, Mr Coates, on Saturday. “New Zealand,” said the Prime Minister, “is particularly well provided with available water power, and has appropriately been termed the Switzerland of the Southern Hemisphere. The total water power available in the Dominion in sources of 1000 h.p. or more is about 776,000 h.p. in the North Island and 4,110,000 h.p. in the South Island. Unfortunately the largest blocks of power are situated in very inaccessible positions in the Southern fiords, although fairly close to navigable waters.

Mr Coates gave the following particulars regarding expenditure: The total expenditure to date was ££5,733,000, of which Hie North Island’s share was £4,293,000 and Hie South Island’s share £1,440,000. For the year’ ended March 31, 1927, the total expenditure was £1,045,000, the North Island representing £904,000 and the South Island £141,000. “The original scheme for the formation of electric power boards provided for the formation of 54 boards,” said the Prime Minister. "Since the Electric Power Boards Act came into operation, 42 boards have been constituted. The total area covered by the boards already formed is 64 per cent, of the total area of the Dominion. The total population concerned is 863,041, or 61, per cent, of the total population of New Zealand.

“The demand per person has greatly exceeded expectations, and the majority of the boards supplied from Mangahao J are well ahead of their guarantees. | The large additional power which will I bo available from Arapuui and Wai--1 karernoana will soon be required to cope with the increasing demand. Although 1 have been unable to get particulars from all power boards, - the following information will give a fair idea of how the countryfolk are adopting the use of liydro-clectric power': Total number of connections, 54,000; number of electric ranges, 3000; number of water heaters, 5350; number of water pumps, 11 20.”