The Harper River Diversion.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17116, 11 April 1921, Page 6

The Harper River Diversion.

On Saturday. We printed a telegram from the Hon. J. C Coates, in which we were that Canterbury could rest assured that the electrio supply from Lake Coleridgo will be maintained, and that' there is no need for anxiety. No more ample assurance than this could be given.by Mr Coates, but unfortunately, he cannot control the waywardness of our rivers, as we hinted in our hope that the assurance has a good foundation the capacity of the Department to meet and overcome a orisis in the river's behaviour. From the Minister's unresponsiveness to the League's appeal for the immediate taking in hand of the permanent diversion work we assumed that where he differs from the League is in believing that the risk of trouble from the temporary diversion is not appreciably more than the risk will be if the permanent work is completed. Mr Glimie, the League's organiser, tells us that the Minister does not differ from the League on the point, and he quotes from earlier statements by Mr Coates which certainly do mean that the Department considers that the permanent work really is necessary. What the Minister's real opinion may be has not been clearly explained. The inference we from his telegram to us seems to conflict with'his admission that the permanent work must bo carried out later on, and the two can be reconciled only by the assumption that Mr Coates believes that the risk of trouble from the postponement of the permanent work—a real risk and an avoidable one—may reasonably be taken. It may safely be said that opinion in this province is unanimous against the taking of any avoidable risk which can be avoided at no great - cost. Possibly tlie may be able to give us bucli figures as to inflow, lake levels, and the margin of time that' would elapse between a destructive flood and effective repairs, as will relieve local anxiety. But while these figures, and full accompanying explanations, aro withheld, the public will be justified in its discontent with the present position of affairs.