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Hokitika Guardian, 22 March 1923, Page 2

The Grcymouth Power Board is now being constituted. Last week Mr .Tenkin of Christchurch, in addressing a public meeting at Groymouth, ref cried to the possibilities of the northern town becoming an important manufacturing centre by reason of its coal deposits. We do not follow Mr Jenkin in this view except in the Tight of the possibilities arising from the functions of the newlv formed Rower Board. Greymouth has had its store of civil nil along, hut. the manufacturing works have not materialised. It is probable that most people associate an Electric Power Board with hydro-electric works, but it appears to us Groymouth has a golden opportunity to develope its electric power from its coal supply, and in that way it might be possible for Mr Jonkin’s prophecy to come true. Any hydre-electric scheme for Greymouth at present in sight is quite beyond existing liiianeial resources; but if a steam power station were installed adjacent to one of the large coal producing centres. Runnnga for example, a reasonable scheme so far as cost and utility arc concerned, could lie installed and units could ho added as the business and demands of the service required. Electric power generated by steam power would certainly he the cheapest and most practicable proposal for the northern Board to face. Arthur’s Pass tunnel is to he operated by electric power generated from a steam service, the coni being drawn from the Coast for the purpose. If the Greymonth Poewr Board has the courage to look ahead in this matter, and makes a beginning at once, within four or five years it could lay the foundation for great industrial expansion in its neighbourhood. Electric haulage for the railways and coal mines, power for the sawmills and other industries, and finally the light for illuminating the various towns within the composite area of the Grey County would he possible. The Grey County has a populationcounting the interior Boroughs—of some 12.000 people, and as it is a compact area, this number of residents makes the proposition very attractive economically. There is thus a very good opening for the northern part of the district to ipakp jui important ejf.p

forward at a time when, the whole district is entering upon a new of very great promise and has the opportunity to lend itself material aid.

On this subject of electrict supply, the Westland district cannot afford to maintain a passive attitude much long- , er. The Power Board here has been 1 awaiting developments in respect to the private development of power, but this action appears to be rather long deferred. Lately, we understand, the representative of an American engineering firm, looked into some local hydro-elec-tric schemes with a view to harnessing them for the probable expansion in dredging hereabouts, which lias been foreshadowed. That on the face of it, is a healthy sign, and we may be hopeful that something will materialise shortly which will give a lead to the local body charged with the provision of electric power- Now that wo aie on the eve of linking up with Canterbury it would lie all to the advantage of the district to offer the fullest attractions to industrialists and capitalists prepared to undertake manufacturing propositions which will ensure population being attracted and retained in the district. For this all important reason, therefore, the Westland Power Board should he no loss active than the Grey District Board in setting about the business it was designed to undertake.