ELECTRIC POWER.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5476, 18 September 1929, Page 2

ELECTRIC POWER.

ARAPUNI V. HUKA FALLS.

SUGGESTIONS OF 33 YEARS AGO.

With the present great attention riveted on Arapuni the following report of a meeting held at Paeroa 33 years ago makes interesting reading. The Huka Falls mentioned are in the vicinity of the Aratiatia rapids, which Mr Firth in all probability intended as the site of the proposed activities. It will be remembered that before Arapuni was commenced there was a great deal of discussion on whether the Waikato should be harnessed there or at Aratiatia. Most probably, had the power works been erected at the spot selected by Mr Firth no less than 33 years ago, the present doubts as to supply from Arapuni would never have arisen, as the country round Aratiatia is much more suitable. To have advocated 33 years ago a scheme that was only actually commenced a few years back shows how wonderfully far-sighted the late Mr Firth must have been. In those days electricity was little more than in the embryo state, and for a man then to suggest a scheme which is even to-day considered a great undertaking for New Zealand speaks volumes for the courage and sagacity of that man. In his day Mr Firth came in for ridicule, and he, died, disappointed, at 12.45 p.m. on Saturday, December 11, 1897. To-day Arapuni stands as his memorial. Had he had his way doubtless a still worthier monument in the form of a really satisfactory supply of electric power would have perpetuated his name.

The following report appeared in the “Ohinemuri Gazette” of September 16, 1896 Mr J. C. Firth addressed a very representative audience last night in the Public Hall, Wharf Street. Mr C. F. Mitchell presided, and said he was sure that Mr Firth, who was well known to nearly everyone present, would receive a patient and respectful hearing.

Mi' Firth, in a very able' speech (which want of space prevents our giving in extenso in the present issue), showed how the time was coming, and that at no distant date, when it would not be possible to work the ; mines in this goldfield as at present owing to the inevitable exhaustion of? timber and the consequent diminution ' of water supply, as well as the excessive cost of coal. He also showed how such a result would in his opinion have a most disastrous effect upon the English companies, and on the mining industry in this field, and that the only remedy was an ample electric power supply. He laid before the meeting his scheme of obtaining this supply from the Huka Falls, . near Lake Taupo. He had those at his back who were so confident of the feasibility and success Of the scheme that they were* prepared to expend £400,000 on it, and more if necessary, and it would not cost the Government nor the colony one penny. He asked them to give their support to his proposition to ask the Government to pass a Bill during this session conferring the necessary powers to private enterprise to accomplish this work. He asked for no monopoly—simply to utilise what was’ now going to waste in this particular spot. If passed, it would not prevent the same being done by others who might desire to carry out similar works from other places, such as the Waitawheta, Ohinemuri, and other' rivers. In fact, it would assist them

to do so. At the conclusion of the address the following resolutions, moved by the chairman, were carried unanimously : Resolved : “That the great majority of the mines on the mountain range from Te Aroha to Cape Colville being mainly of large reefs mostly of lowgrade ore, will require cheap driving power if the mines are to be made payable, and therefore permanent. The cost of coal for steam engines will be far too high to secure cheap driving power. Water’ power to any great extent is not available. The consumption of timber for fuel for steam engines would in no long time deprive the mines of the necessary mining timber and for roasting .purposes. The only available alternative, therefore, is to provide an ample electric power supply.” Resolved : “That this meeting strongly urge the Government to pass a Bill during this session to confer the necessary powers to enable private enterprise to accomplish this most important, and, indeed, vital, undertaking without delay.” Resolved : “That the chairman be requested to sign these resolutions on behalf of the meeting and forward them to the Government without delay.” From the “Ohinemuri Gazette” of September 23, 1896 :— Of all the schemes I have heard of for some time Mr Firth’s plan for supplying power to the mines in'this peninsula from electricity generated at the Huka Falls is the boldest and most original. ■ If the plan be feasible and capable of practical solution Mr Firth would deserve the thanks not only of the present generation, but of posterity also. The plan is so vast and intricate that only a few people pretend to understand it. . . . It is to be hoped that the Government will lose no time in giving every necessary facility to carry out his plan to practical issues, because the aims and objects of the scheme are of the utmost importance to the Colony. From the "Ohinemuri Gazette” of September 26, 1896 :— The Auckland Star seems dubious as to whether the power can be transmitted such a long distance, and remarks : “The Niagara works only supply electric; power within a radius of 25 miles from the falls, while Te Aroha, the nearest point of the goldfields to the Huka Falls, is 80 miles as the crow flies.” In conversation with Mr Firth on the subject, that gentleman assures us that the “Star” is wrong in its information . . . and he is confident that the power running to waste' at Huka Falls could be transmitted to any portion of the North Island !