WATER-POWER REGULATIONS.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 829, 30 May 1910, Page 2

WATER-POWER REGULATIONS.

CAN THEY BE OVER-RIDDEN?

In a recent message from_ Hokitika it was stated that tho Prime Minister had promised to take definite action on his return to Wellington with reference to tho question of amalgamation of three water rights- subsequent to the grant of the licenses. It is understood that the matter in dispute forms an interesting sequel to. the introduction of the water-power regulations. Under these regulations the applicants would have been required to pay all annual rental to- the Government for the use of the water. Instead of applying for a license of this nature, however, the applicants individually applied to the warden for. the district tor tho maximum number of heads of water to which a single individual is entitled, free* of cost, for mining purposes. It appears further that they now intend to combino their forces—a contingency which (it is stated) tho Mining Act is powerless to prevent. From what can be gathered tho locality where the water rights have been secured is' in a gorge along tho Toaroha River where tho conditions are admirably adapted for the production of electrical energy at a low cost. It may be mentioned that although numerous inquiries were made in respect of the steps to bo taken to securo water rights throughout tho Dominion only one licenso was taken up. The fortunate applicants, tho Wailii Company, intend (it is.reported) to expend £100,000 in connection wit-li thoit' right which will enable them to produce electrical energy so cheaply that they will bo able to treat.low grade ore much more profitably than can be done by means of steam power. It is not- known'whether the Government can take any action which will upset tho West Coast syndicate's intentions, but it is believed that an amendment will be made in the Mining Act this session to prevent amalgamation of water-rights which have been secured separately in the one locality.