POWER FOR OTAGO

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 247, 13 July 1920, Page 3

POWER FOR OTAGO

■ ♦ ; THE G©VERNMENT'S INTENTIONS REPORTS BEING PREPARED ■ 6'omo information wgording hydroelectro power was plhced before representatives of the Otago Expansion League, who interviewed the Minister of Public Works (Mr. Coates) yesterday. The deputation asked tor an assurance that tho development of hydro-electric Sower in Otago would wbceed without elay. The speakers stated that when cheap power from Lake Wnnaka or elsewhere Decame available over 80,000 acres of fertile land in Central Otngo could be placed under irrigation, with euornious profit to the Dominion. Mr, Coates Baid that the development of power was dependent on the supply of engineers, material, and labour. .Funds had been voted for the works, and 110- - thine had been said by Ministers to suggest that tho necessary money would not ■bo forthcoming. The shortage of engineers was a special difficulty at present. Engineers were being tempted away from the Department by.largo■ salaries, -Yet if the Government undertook to pay up to .£IOOO a year in order to retain those engineers, it would bo in difficulties with the. Public Service generally The . development of hydro-electric power wns in the forofront of the Government's policy, tout it was better for the Government to postpone the commencement of a work until reasonable facilities for its completion were available. - than to put on a few men and make a mere pretence of. progress. Plans for the extension of the Lake Coleridge scheme wore in hand, and tho Otago scheme was regarded by tho Government as the next most important in the South Island. He expected to receive reports from his engineers regarding the Hawea-Wanaka and Teviot Rchlemes within two months,, and he would then make a recommendation to Cabinet and inform the Otago people of Cabinet's decision. An Otago scheme would certainly bo proceeded with, but he did not wish to be tied down ns to dates until he know more than he did now of the prospects for the supply of labour and materials, The Minister mentioned that the Hawea-Wanaka scheme, in Central Otago, wus estimated to produce from 80.000 to 80,000 horse-power, according-to the dage of its development, A report oi\ this 6chcmo by the Government engineers would be ready within, a month. The Teviot scheme, which would have S&e advantage, of shorter transmission liMfl. would produce from 5000 to 15,000 horse-powor. "Otago's. claim is regarded aa the next most urgent," said the Minister, speaking of the Soutn Island projects. "I have discussed this with Mr. Birks and. Mr. Parry, and they are in favour of this. 1 think the Government will approve of going on with an Otago. Gcheme as part of the South. Island Bchemo,"