ELECTRICAL SCHEMES

Hokitika Guardian, 22 May 1929, Page 5

ELECTRICAL SCHEMES

STATEMENT BY MINISTER

By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, May 22

A comprehensive resume of tbe progress of hydro-electric development schemes to date, and of contemplated new schemes to complete the reticulation in districts, not at present served, was given by tbe Public Works Minister 1 , Mr E. A. Ransom, when addressing Electrical Supply Authority Engineers’ Conference. Since bis appointment lie bad visited all tbe undertakings already in operation, and most of those in tho course of construction.

He mentioned that it was expected that the first unit ol' 15,000 k7w. at A’rapuiu would bo available about Juno Ist., and would afford great relief to Auckland district. The bulk of the work was already done, and the most expensive part of the scheme made provision for. There were eight units and while it had been suggested that only three should be brought into operation, it was now thought necessary to provide a fourth and this had been ordered.

In regard to Gowan river scheme for Marlborough and Nelson, a report was under consideration and probably some announcement would he made in the hear future as to the possibility of going ou with the scheme. The erection of additional transmission linos to connect Arapuni and AVaikaremoana was under consideration so that in the ovent of'a temporary failure in respect to one system, the other would ho ablo to take over the load. It was Ifurther proposed to make an extension of the system fiom "Wanganui to Taranaki.

In regard to Waitaki, the Department was considering the advisability of taking current from Oamaru to Dunedin. Ho referred to the necessity of extending Waipori plant, and said negotiations were in hand for the Government to take it over, witli that end in view.