WATER POWER.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 August 1921, Page 3

WATER POWER.

THE ARAPUNI SCHEME. AUCKLAND, Aug. 15 A deputation from the Hydro-Electric League waited upon the Hon J. G. Coates to emphasise the need for power throughout the province, and to offer the assistance of the league in whatever way it might lie used for the speedy development of the Arapuni supply. The deputation was one of the largest and most representative for a long time, the majority of the local bodies for the metropolitan area and the commercial and industrial organisations of the city having members present. Mr Coates said they all realised the need for cheap power. The cheapness of the current was a vital factor. Those schemes were of national importance, but the commercial aspect bad to be considered. They sliomld rest on a sound foundation and pay their way without being assisted unduly by the State. Referring to authorities for power schemes, Mr Coates reminded Ins bearers that authorities did dot mean money. In regard to the Htirahora plant, he said that at night then 1 was a load going to waste. Me proposed to oiler this surplus amounting to 1500 or 2000 horse-power to this district for general use. In passing; lie referred to the possibility of the local authority arranging tO‘“feed in” to the line from Horaliora. It would he cheaper to carry current than to carry coal. This, however, was merely his opinion. The question was otic Ttir the Auckland people to decide. The Department already had poles for the line at various stations, and was importing copper wire and insulators. "Now we come to the question o! finance,” proceeded tile Miiiistei', "and you want me to find -C1,377,000 < smiles from the deputation). I have already said that before I can make a start, with the exception of pottering work, finance must be seemed so that li e Department may be in a position to see the project through in five years from the time work is commenced. That is stilt the position.” I'nii] Mr Massey returned lie would lie nimble to say how the financial position was. Money could lx- got at a price. Some people said: "Do not worry about the cost. Get tlie work done.” He did not doubt that contractors Would be willing to find money at (5 per cent, but if that were done, the contractors would'“take it out of .fliem” in another way. It would he far belter to wait, until tho country could fiiid the money. It was his bumble opinion that the country should do the work. He was not going to be bustled off his feet. He was going to try and keep calm and carry through the scheme on commercial lines. He realised that nowhere else in New Zealand were there such possibilities for the uso of hydro-electric power i! a- u btiV there would he such a. demand. for power.

Replying to a question whether Die Government \u mild consider granting a concession to anyone prepared to develop the whole scheme, the Minister indicated that while the Govcrnme

would ooUsidt'r ally proposal for the development of power, lie would not lie in favour of concessions to private capital.