HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER.

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 103, 24 October 1918, Page 3

HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER.

Thajrass VaiSsy Lesgtio Fopmodi There was a large' attendance at the meeting at Te Aroha convened by the chairman of the Piako County council to hoar an address by Mr H. C. Tempest, E.E., electrical instructor at the Thames School of Mines on the possibilities of hydro-electric power, in its application to farming purposes. Mr J. B. Thomas, county chairman, presided. He instanced the advantages in districts where water power was available for converting electric energy. Waterfalls could bo converted into electric power at a loss of only about 40 per cent of its fullest value. Coal would only give about 10 to 12 per cent, of its value. He estimated the cost of installation on each farm at about £lls for a fully equipped average homestead and milking shed — lighting, heating and cooking, and 2to 3 h.p. motor etc. Lighting an average-sized house would average about fourpence per day, and a 2 to 4 h.p. motor from 4d to 5d per hour. Ploughing by electric power, said Mr Tempest, would hardly be applicable to this country at present, owing to tho smallness of area, and the cost, but with improved storage batteries and charging equipment this would soon come. Motor ploughs were advantageous for they were self-contained. At Horahora power was produced at about £6 or £7 par horse power per year. At £lO the cost per

hour for the whole 24 hours would bq about' one-thiid of a penny. Mr Tempest quoted figures as to the cost of the Horahora and Auckland city schemes. The latter was sold at nearly twopence per unit. At Christchurch the price was per unit. He believed that a national scheme would be better than a privately-owned scheme, and looked to the time when main power lines would be considered on the basis as main roads (i.efor the benefit of the community.) At the conclusion of the address it was decided to form the Thames Valley Hydro-electric League. Tho following committee was setup to further the scheme: Messrs F. W. Walters, F.G Hansen, F. M. Strange, J. B. Thomas, W. J. Gibbs, G. W. Horn, and C. Rayner. Mr Strange was appointed convener, and Mr Gibbs secretary and treasurer.