Hydro-Electric Policy

Hokitika Guardian, 6 May 1922, Page 1

Hydro-Electric Policy

I.OCAL VKHSrS NAT lON AI 1 SCTIKMKS. ‘

WKjXINOTpX, May 2 When a deputation from the Wnnga-mn-IJ.iugitikei Power Board interviewed the Minister of I’uhlie Works to-day with the object of seeming a larger amount of electrical power from Mangahao than had been allocated, or in the alternative to lie permitted to develop its Own power source at Karioi, the lion J. G. Coates made an important statement regarding the general policy governing such situations. The Minister, while willing to give permission to have a complete investigation made so as to ascertain the probable cost of power locally developed, said lie was very careful about authorising new schemes which would conflict wit)i national development. All he allowed the hoard to generate would he so much less power which could he sold from the State schemes. He had had information from Auckland intimating practical acceptance of contracts which meant definitely committing the Government to development of the Arnpuui scheme, a big development- of 10,000 kilowatts. They would have to get a sale for it, and to do so would mean going down even to Taranaki and joining up with the line from Mniignhno. This, would eventuate in six or seven years, lie had to decide whether ho would allow a separate local scheme when it was possible to secure powtjf from the national scheme without waiting much longer than for local development. lie was asking the engineers when they could tell him definitely the date on which power would he available from W’aikaromoana and Arapuni, ns they were both factors in the future supply of Taranaki and Wanganui.