ELECTRIC POWER

Hokitika Guardian, 31 January 1921, Page 3

ELECTRIC POWER

VISIT TO LAKE COLERIDGE. [BY TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION] CHRISTCHURCH, Jan 29. About one hundred motor cars went to Lake Coleridge to-day, taking 500 representatives from all parts of North and South Canterbury, to meet Mr Coates, Minister of Public Works. One of the worst south-west storms on record was encountered, and caused several cars to return to town. Addresses were given by Mr A. G. Hen derson (President of the Progress League), Mr Raymond (Mayor of and Air Coates. The Minister said the Government, in

dealing with power schemes, had considered the whole country, and not only one section; but it was proposed to increase the output from Lake Coleridge, j CANTERBURY'S WISHES. CHRISTCHURCH, Jan 30. At the gathering at Lake Coleridge yesterday Mr A. G. Henderson, pre- 1 sklent of the Canterbury Progress League, said that for 30 for 40 years, Can- J terbury had been moving along the high j road in an 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 to make most of that spirit, Tt was desired that the Government should give help and encouragement in the direction of one of the principal things needed, viz, electrical power. Greater results could he obtained by extending tho scheme at Lake Coleridge than by nnv other in Canterbury. The province bad the nucleus of a- great industrial settlement, but the hydro-electrical scheme would have he more fully developed. Mr Raymond (Minor ol Timaru) said that South Canterbury was anxious for electrical power, and was waiting to enjoy some of the advantages. Hon Mr Coates said the Government ■ considered the development of hydro- ( electrical power as essential, not only j for the city, but for hack country as ] well. The Government recognised that , the harnessing of water power was of ] immense advantage in among , other things it would go a long way in . meetin the demand now made for e h ( The coal position, lie said, was a s-o:- '

ions one. The Government operations were restricted only by the amount of money they had tor electrical development purposes. With regard to the question of the cost of a new plant he had to proceed carefully. He had certain tenders now which lie had been recommended to accept, but before he agreed to them, lie would have to see that they were in the best interests of the country. He had no doubt that if double the power could be obtained from Lake Coleridge, it could be sold in Canterbury but other places had to he considered. There was nothing to prevent, the Government going to the ultimate capacity of Lake Coleridge, hut tho lack of money. HI ||mi limn liillHP—”*"— l —— gr