Mangahao Electric Power Scheme

Horowhenua Chronicle, 15 November 1916, Page 3

Mangahao Electric Power Scheme

AND ALTERNATIVE PROPOSALS. Mr W. H: "Field, M.P. for this electorate, recently wrote to the Minister for Public Works to enquire as to the present position of the Mangahao electric power supply scheme tor the Manawatu district. The Minister's reply ran as follows :— "Re liyro-electric development, >Manawatu district.—Sir, — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 18th October, inqui'rfii'r as to the possibility of' the Government adopting the Mangahao water power scheme, which was investigated by one of the department's engineers. In reply I have to point out that although the survey of the Mangahao water power development scheme has been completed, the supply of the Manawatu district doccs not necessarily depend upon the adoption of this particular scheme . The question under investigation at the present time is that of developing the most economical of the water power resources of the 'North Island with a view to supplying all the districts either simultaneously or n some pro-determined order. In al. probability three water power sou ices will be will ultimately be linked up as to reinforce each other, and supplemented by one, if not two others.

"The chief electrical engineer is fatrly well satisfied as to the best method of development, but has not yet all the information available for preparing a final report and recommendation. The survey of the Waikarenioain system has been completed, and the survey of the knto district will shortly be completed, and, as soon as the weather settles a commencement w/H be made with tho survey of the 'transmission line tH'oueh the Well'iiEton and Manawatu d'strict, to be followed with a survey of a transmission line through Taranakii:, Wairarapa and Hawke's Bay. Arrangements are being also made to survey the transmission line from Waikato to Auckland.'

In his note to the Minister, Mr Field pointed to the fact that local bodies, flaxmilling dairy and cheese factories, as well as private consumers, were enquiring for power and, were willing to support the scheme if it were likel\ to be developed at an early date: also that the Otnki Town Board would wait for the Mangahao power to supply Otaki with electric lischt. "f there wn.« a probability of its being available reasonably soon.