MONOWAI POWER.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18371, 2 May 1925, Page 12

MONOWAI POWER.

SOUTHLAND HYDRO ELECTRIC SCHEME. OPENING FUNCTION AT STATION (russ ASEQCUnOX TBUMKAK.) IXVERCAHGILL, May 1. Excellent weather fatonied the opening of the Southland Electric Power Board's station at Monowai yesterday. The function created groat public interest, and fully IDOO I*>opk motored to tho scene of tho opening. The guests of the Board, who numbered 25CF, con-' sisted of the Powor Board members, representatives of public bodies, Southland boroug' s. and leading business interests. Mr A. V. Kodger (chairman of the Board), the Hon- J. G. Coates, Minister of Public Works, the Hon. G. J. Anderson, Minister of Mines, and Sir Joseph Ward, formed the official party; After the opening ceremony the gathering left Monowai for Invercargill late in the afternoon. In opening the function, Mr A. w. Rodger welcomed a large gathering on behalf of the Board, and in passing, expressed the sympathy of all with tb© Prime Minister in his serious illness. The day marked an epoch in the history of Southland. There had been difficulties with the scheme, but they had been overcome. He believed that none could realise the effect it would have on the wealth and prosperity of the provincc. The Hon. J. G. Coates said that Southland might rightly be termed the self-reliant province of New Zealand. The development of electricity would have a great effect on the economic life of the people. The Dominion was able to use unlimited power. He sincerely hoped that the Board's scope would in time be widened. Mr Coates then dealt with the intentions of the Government in dealing with hydro-electric schemes. The State schemes would he on a commercial basis. H© was satisfied that in time they would pay a huge dividend. The attractions of New Zealand would' bo increased by such well thought out schemes, and the country would prosper and attract capital from overseas. In dealing with the Southland scheme, ho pointed out that Southland was responsible for the main features of the Power Board Act, making it possible for all to benefit by electricity arid preventing economic waste. It was now encumbent upon all to take and use all the poweT they could, and later' on they would benefit by cheap power as the financial position righted itself. "I am proud to-day to bo a Southlander," said,the Hon. G. J. Anderson, "and as Southland develops, so will this comprehensive scheme." He speaker said that they were initiating a scheme that would be a. tremendous factor in developing Southland and despite op j position, the courage and enthusia-sm of the Board and the people would guarantee the huge success of the scheme.

Sir Joseph Ward said tliat he joined with all in congratulating the Board on its wonderful method of obtaining power for the use of man. There haa been nothing more Important done in New Zealand than the utilisation of waste water power. waa nocountry in the world that was Letter geographically situated for the use of eieetricpower generated' by water. "As sure as I am speaking to-day, theitijne will come when electricity is used in all departments of iife .• throughout the Dominion," he. said. He felt that if the people oxpected the scheme to pay in a year of two, they would be disappointed. Thev wouTd have to do their hit and by- linking up,- would ultimately assure the success-of- ; the scheme. In the evening the official party were entertained by the Invercargill Chamber of Commerce, the Southland Power Power Board and the Ohai Railway Board. The Hon. J. G. Coates was the guest of honour and was presented with a framed photograph iof Monowai. and the booklet of the Ohai Railway Board as mementoes of his visit. ITie Hon. 6. J. Anderson was also presented with the booklet of tEe Ohai Board. V