The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, DECEMBER, 16, 1933 POWER EXTENSION.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 December 1933, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, DECEMBER, 16, 1933 POWER EXTENSION.

Intehesting information regarding the introduction of electric power to the Westland County area, and the further extensions proposed, was afforded at the meeting of the Power Board on Tuesday night. Incidentally the district was congratulated on the service it is receiving without cost or liabilty to the ratepayers as a whole. This must be a rather unique position in the Dominion, where debt has been incurred so widely for the supply of power to numerous districts. According to the latest statistical returns, the total of the loans by electric power districts in New Zealand reaches the huge sum of £13,121,960, and it is still being increased. Westland, however, is not included in the districts which had toa incur debt for the purpose. Private enterprise came forward here, and a. wise direction by local public men in office at the time, has resulted in a system being established and now extending without cost or liability to any corporate local body. This is as fortunate, as it is an exceptional circumstance, for the district, and those responsible for bringing it about deserve commendation and thanks for their far-seeing action. It is pleasing also to find in ■addition, that the company which set about this important enterprise, is making headway, and the installations are proving good investments. Pri-

vate capital had to be found, and furtner sums are being found for extensions, which shows that the return for the investment is proving advantageous. The speakers on Tuesday night who spoke as consumers were able to give a very satisfied account of the service where established in two farming districts., and the opportunity for the expresson of satisfaction was timely, as the power line is about to be extended to

Koiterangi, where there R a furthc'.

I iivriu lor useful supplies. The estab- | lisiunent oi eiectiic-pouer in any district is an asset of considerable importance. It makes a locality mono attractive, lor n is realised suyii a service auds to the amenities ,of iiomc lile in particular. Its application industrially is, also, higny important particularly in a dairying centre wiiero it caii be put to so many uses bearing on the production of an improved proouct. f ile company has done, well to establish itself so satisfactorily in so short a tune, it is gratifying to hud the domestic load being added to, although the undertaking was launched mainly for the benefit of the nun-; ing industry. It is notable also in regard to tno Hokitika, supply by a separate company, that in the first instance the power was contemplated

as only for mining purposes. Domestic purposes came very little into the picture, but when the income derivable was realised the company set about catering for the domestic trade, and has, likewise, achieved excellent ltnanciaf results. That, was another instance also, of the town being serviced without cost or liability to the ratepayers as a whole. The people of town and district are therefore in an exceptional position, arid are enjoying good services which are being, improved more and more as time goes on. With the publicity given to the proposed extensions, other adjacent parts might- well be brought in, and it is surprising that the people of Ross nnd Kumara do not avail themselves of the modern nd vantage of electric light and power in their boroughs. Electricity js possible of great sevvicta to any locality, and it is not to be wondered at that it is growing in favour and becomes popular witn country folk in partioular.