POWER FROM MANGAHAO

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 173, 17 April 1920, Page 11

POWER FROM MANGAHAO

-4' - HYDKO-ELECTHIC MINISI'EII WANTED. ' In the course of its annual report, the Central Chiiuiber of Commerce «iys: "The council has taken cverv opportunity to assist the Hydro-Electric Power league in urging the Government to push on the work at Mangahao. The new road from the Tokomaru stream to the Mangahao' Gorge has been formed and metalled for 2i miles, whilst the- remaining two miles is being formed. The improvement of the Tokomaru lioad from the powerhouse site to the dam site will soon bo completed. Boilers for the temporary steam plant to provide power for piercing tunnels, etc., are on the ground. and the remainder of the plant is being shipped fiom England. After considerable delay saw-milling machinery is being shipped, and when set up on the site now prepared for it will assist in providing proper accommodation for the worker; and get over the difficulty now experienced in keeping men en the job. -Fault is found with the organisation as from reports' submitted from the Hydroelectric Power League there docs not appear 10 be a definite responsibility for the whole scheme.. "It is contended .Hint the electric works, of the Dominion are now so large and of such importance that a separate board under a Minister should have undivided responsibility in constructing and operating all electrical undertakings of the Giveriunciit. The league, has been given the council's support on this matter together' with the expression of opinion that in appointing a Minister of Public Works' the Prime Minister be asked to appoint a man possessing unbounded energy and wide vision, fit. in every sense to carry out.the good work started by the Minister, the Hon, Sir AVilliam I'rassr. The council desires to express ite appreciation of the sterling qualities exhibited by Sir William Eraser during his long term of office as Minister in Charge of Public Works, and trusts that he may long be spared to help the Dominion in its aim towards progress."