Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star TUESDAY,”FEBRUARY 10th, 1920. IN THE RUNNING.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 February 1920, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star TUESDAY,”FEBRUARY 10th, 1920. IN THE RUNNING.

Westland is to be in the running in this new hydro-electric ago. A motion at the County Council meeting to-day proposes to marshal local body forces with a view to asking Government to report on a large hydro-electric scheme for Westland. The district has possibilities in this respect, which have been indicated heretofore. In the Government year book of 1914 a table is set out indicating the sources of undeveloped power in New Zealand. The large powers mentioned in this immediate neighborhood are Toaroha, 19,000 h.p., Whiteombe, 16,000 h.p. Wanganui 40,000 h.p., and Wataroa 80,000 Toaroha is only 17 miles from Hookitika, Whiteombe 20, Wanganui 36, Wataroa 48. Having the locations in mind, the next question is the estimated cost of development-, and it is on this that Government advice is necessary. The country from north to south is turning its attention to hydro-electric power, Southland is taking practical steps in the matter and already has its Electric Power Board created, and is setting about the inauguration of its scheme. Otago has its scheme in hand, and the money to develope it in sight.. Canterbury,' thanks to the Government development of Colerfdge, has power available now and is turning the enterprise into a profitable business for the country. In the North Island three different schemes are being advanced as fast as available labor will permit, and the Government- is assisting readily. Westland therefore which hn-s exceptional possibilities for the development of power should not be indifferent to the new conditions arising in the Dominion, or in the end wo will find ourselves more isolated than ever if we do not keep pace with the times. The great sources of power indicated above within easy reach of this centre are a wonderful asset to the district, but to be of value the sources of power require turning to account. The abundant water power available should be elosely examined, and the first step will be to get an idea of the cost of harnessing the power, land its transmission •to a common centre. The larger the power available, the more economical its distribution later, so the district need not qualm at facing a large undertaking. Once a vail ablest here will be many uses for the power and light and the demand will speedily grow. Hie sources hereabouts could 'serve a very wide radius, and would ultimately be largely used in connection with the railways, particularly For the inland services where heavy gradients have to be dealt iwitli. Smaller and more frequent trains could be run, and will require to be run to deal with the heavy coal and timber transport through the Otira tunnel for instance. As a matter of foot the- Government Department,s would come to be; one of the largest consumers of the power, and their attention to local possibilities icannot be too strongly passed at this stage.