SOURCES OF ELECTRIC POWER.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 July 1926, Page 3

SOURCES OF ELECTRIC POWER.

A CENTRAL OTAGO REQUEST. WELLINGTON. July 2. A deputation representing the Otago Central Electric Power Board waited on Mr Coates and the Minister of Public AVorks (the Hon. K. S. Williams) to-day with n request that the Government should allow the Board the use of the head waters of the Roaring Afeg river. Central Otago, for the purpose ot developing a hydro-elec-tric scheme.

Air W. Black, engineer, explained that it had been proposed that Roaring Meg should he used for irrigation purposes, but that scheme had boon abandoned on account of the expense, so the Board at present was obtaining its main supply from Teviot, but that supply was practically absorbed.

Mr Coates asked when the increased supply was needed. Air Black replied that they had had many applications for power, including one from a mining company, which intended to operate. That company was prepared to deposit a large amount as an indication of its good faith. Air Coates remarked that the position would have to he watched. They had to be very careful to see that good agricultural country was not “mopped up” for other purposes. .Air Black said that the Power Board was equally anxious to preserve agricultural land. He pointed out that the electric power scheme could he worked in conjunction with the. irrigation scheme. If they were allowed to proceed with the proposal, the Board would guarantee to supply the Public Works Department with ROD horse power for pumping. Mr Coates said that he would go- into the matter with the Afinister of Public AVorks, who. no doubt, would visit tbo locality, and h,3 would like to accompany him.