ELECTRICITY SITUATION

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22341, 28 May 1947, Page 4

ELECTRICITY SITUATION

Sir.—W e read that tire Government is withholding a recent criticism of the electricity situation until after the Avon election. This was recorded by an English electrical expert before* his departure. But I do not think it is necessary to consult the experts to see that the whole programme, past and present, is ill-advised. . , The authorities have slavishly copied the theory of centralisation and the grid system. The main advantages of

these principles only apply to the gen- | eration of electricity by the use of 1 coal. In general, the disadvantages, of centralisation are high cost of pylons arid cables on long power lines; also loss from “resistance.” This is overcome to a degree by the use of very high voltages, which necessitates the construction and maintenance of transformer sub-stations at considerable cost. As far as the North Island scheme in particular is concerned, the concentration on the Waikato and Waikaremoana increase the risk from sabotage, enemy action and earthquakes. Not only might any one of these cause disruption. but also a flood disaster. In New Zealand we have all the natural advantages for the development of hydro-electric power on safe and sane methods; de-centralisation is being adopted all over the world for many reasons. Every district in the Dominion, except perhaps the Far North, is adequately supplied with rivers. With properly designed schemes so that additions could be made to cover future growth, nearly every town or group of towns could have its own supply within a few miles. Note that the only places in the island were they have no cuts today are those districts who have local supply. In conclusion, I would like to quote a case of centralisation gone mad. When I stayed at the township of Taupo a few years ago. there was no electric light and in the boardinghouse was a notice, “Please do not waste water!” That within sight of the biggest l'resh-water lake in the country and three miles from Huka Falls, which could supply a city and not notice it. Taupo enjoys lamps and cannot pump its own water, although it provides that need for others! “DECENT.” [Abridged.—Ed. Herald-1