HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4426, 12 June 1922, Page 2

HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER.

Those taking an interest in the development of the district will be pleased to learn of the progress that is being made with the electric power installation. To date there are over 200 miles of lines constructed, and although they are not yet all wired it will not be long before this work is an accomplished fact. The work of installing the power down as far as Thames, to Ngatea, Turua, and other places on the Plains is fast being completed, and in all of these parts the settlers will have the pleasure of using the power for the coming milking season. The Board has had many drawbacks and disappointments right from the inception of its formation, the last being the loss of poles on the wrecks of the Manurewa and wire and other material in the Wiltshire. The former is a serious matter, but it is confidently hoped that the poles to replace those lost will arrive in New Zealand in about three weeks' time. Duplicate orders have also been sent to replace the goods and wire lost last week in the wreck. Some of these will be obtained from Australia, while it will be necessary for other portions to come from England. The settlers in the district can rest assured that the Board is not asleep, and the many difficulties being met with are overcome as fast as is practicable. Settlers can do a lot to assist matters if they will only take advantage of having their fauns linked up with the power as it passes their respective places. Those who have not yet made application should do so at once, while the wiring gangs are in the district. If they do not, it may mean that they will have to wait for a considerable time, as applications from other districts are being received almost daily. The cost will be also much heavier when the Work is eventually done. Another factor is that the greater supply of electricity the less likely it will be for the Board to have to collect a rate, and as the whole of the land is in the special rating area a rate will be necessary if this is not done. We strongly urge everybody to take advantage of this present opportunity of having the hydro-electric power installed.