HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 108, 31 January 1921, Page 7

HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER

DEVELOPMENT OF LAKE COLERIDGE

THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTIONS

Bv Teleernnh-Press Association. Christchurch, January 30.

At the gathering at Lake Coleridge yesterday, Mr. A. G. Henderson (president of the Canterbury Progressive League) said that for 30 or 40 years Canterbury had been moving along the high road in easy style. Lately, however, a spirit was growing that had not been known in Canterbury before to develop the province to the utmost of its resources. He wanted the Government io make the most of that spirit. It was desired that the Government should give help and encouragement in the direction of one of the principal things needed —electrical power. Greater results could be obtained by extending tho scheme fo Lake Coleridge than by any ether in Canterbury. The province bad the nucleus of a great industrial settlement, but -the hydroelectrical scheme would have to lie more fully developed. Mr. Raymond (Mayor of Timaru) said that South Canterbury was anxious for electrical power and was waiting to enjoy some of the advantages.

The Hon. J. G. Coates (Minister . of Public Works) saidthe Government considered the development of hydro-elec-trical power as essential, not only for the city, but for tho back country as well. Th? Government recognised that tho harnessing of water-power was of immense advantage in that, among other things, it would go a long way in meeting the demand now made for coal. The coal position, was a serious one. The Government onerations were restricted only by the amount of money they had for electrical development purposes. With regard to the ouestion of the cost of new plant, be had to proceed carefully. He. had certain tenders now which he had been recommended to accept, but before he agreed to them ho would have to s»e that they were in the .best interests of the country. He had no doubt that iS double th? power could be obtained from Lake Coleridge: it could be sold in Canterbury, but other places had to bo considered! There was nothing to prevent the Government going to the ultimate capacity of Lake Coleridge but the Jacket money.