HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 297, 11 September 1919, Page 5

HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER

', THE WAIRARAPA SCHEME LOCAL BODIES' DELEGATES CONFER By Telegraph—Special Correspondent. Masterton, September-10. A meeting of delegates of the various. Wairarapa local bodies waß held at Carteiton to-day to define the area for tho proposed hydro-electric power scheme. Mr. T. V. Moore was elected chairman, and there were also present: Messrs. Q. Donald J. Fisher, J. Martin, T. Haycock, W. Welch, King, and M'Laehlan. Mr. J. C. Cooper attended on behalf of the Wellington Farmers', Meat Company. Mr. Haycock said that at a previous meeting in connection with the matter, the Masterton Borough Council hod not •been represented, There was a feeling that that body was either apathotic or wns waiting to see which way matters went before taking any responsibility. Mr. J. C. Cooper said that though he was not representing the Borough Council, he'could say with sincerity that Masterton was most enthusiastic. So far as his own company (the Wellington Farmers' Meat Company) wero concerned, thoy were as eager as the rest to push forward tho scheme. At present they wero paying as amich as Jii per ton for coal used at tho works, and they were convinced that electricity would prove a great saving. Mr. Welch said that ho represented tho Masterton County Council, but ho felt that lie could throw somo light on the reason for tho nan-representation of the Borough Council. At the period referred to the council wns in a state of transition owing to the Mayoral election, and it was found inconvenient to send a representative.' Mr. King (Masterton Borough Council) said that his council was very ready to back tho scheme. They had various works under way at present which involved a great expenditure, but he awed that tho hydro-electriq scheme should bo' supported. The council had already contributed £15 to the scheme. Ho thought that was a fair indication that they would bear part of the responsibility for the expenses incurred in setting up a power bf.ard. Tho chairman then moved, and Mr., Haycock seconded: ;"Thnt this meeting appoint a committee ix> defino the hydroelectric area, and that they be empowered to' employ any clerical or engineering asn'6tance necessary." Mr. Martin asked whether''the areawould be defined to suit any particular scheme. The /chairman replied _ that all the schemes were being considered, and tho area would apply to any one of them. Mr. J. C. Cooper, in supporting the motion, said that as his company were ( large power users they were prepared to ' bear their share of the cost. The /motion was carried. Mr, Fisher moved, and it was.resolved: That Messrs. Haycock, Mlachlan, Moore, and Cooper comprise tho committee.,, Mr. Welch said that he thought the borough should be represented on the committee. The present personnel included only the county councils. Mr. King, said he agreed with the previous speaker. There was a danger that interest would lag unless the boroughs wero represented. \ Mr. Cooper said that the boroughs had their boundaries defined already, but the county councils had still to define their areas, therefore the borough rearesnntation was not essential. The idea was to have a small working committee. . . Mr. Fisher said the boroughs would not be affected in any way so far as their boundaries ware concerned. Mr. Welch persisted that the boroughs should have representation. He moved an amendment that Councillor King, representing the Masterton Borough Council: be added to the committee.' Tho motion and ttie amendment were carried. Mr. Kins said he-understood that . a previous meeting' had favoured the 'Maheahao' scheme. '• The'6ooner they dis--abused their mindsof the idea of obtaining power from that source the better. Wellington had a prior claim, and Wangiiniii also was asking for a share. The Waiohino scheme was the most suitable for the Wairarapa district. The chairman agreed that the Waiohino scheme had undoubtedly great advantaees the chief one being that the whole of the bush, district i about the river was Government reserve. . Referring to a surplus of JE2S over from the fund at tie disposal.of the previous committee. Mr. Cooper said that the money had been expended in taking measurements of the Waiohine River last autumn. The cost of the survey had been .£4O. and tho difference had been made un by the Wellington Farmers' Meat Company. . . ± ' Mr. Cooper's- action in authorising the expenditure was endorsed. A meetinc of tho committee was held subsequently, and Mr. J. C. Cooper was elected chairman. Tt was decided to ask Mr. J. It. Temnli'n, of the Lake Coleridge works, if he would assist in defining the boundaries of the area to which electricity would be available.