MANGAHAO HYDRO-ELECTRIC SCHEME.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1843, 22 June 1918, Page 3

MANGAHAO HYDRO-ELECTRIC SCHEME.

REPRESENTATIVE CONFERENCE AT PALMERSTON.

LEAGUE FORMED

One of the most representative conferences ever held in Palmerston North took place on Thursday, when delegates representing the local bodies in the whole of the southern North Island districts assembled at the instance of the Vigilance Committee of the Associated Chambers of Commerce to consider the formation of a league to further the carrying out of the Manga bao hy-dro-electric power scheme. Mr L. 11. Collinson, chairman of the Palmerston Chamber of Commerce, presided. Eoxlon borough was represented by the Mayor (Mr John Chrystall) and Or. T. Henderson.

The Committee's report was read and adopted. Hr. Newman, M.P. ( Wellington), moved the following motion, which was carried unanimously-.-—“ That in the opinion of this conference the Government should he urged to proceed with the Mangahao hydro-el-ectric scheme at the headworks, in the preparation of the holding dam and the construction of roads so that everything may he in readiness when peace is declared, and the necessary machinery obtained for carrying out the whole scheme; and this conference pledges itself, if necessary, to assist the Government in obtaining (he la hour required for the present work.” It was resolved that a big deputation wait upon the Minister for Public Works.

The following series of resolutions were submitted to the conference, and after a short discussion were adopted: — “Constitution: That A League he formed, to ho called the Mangahao Hydro-eEleetrie Power League, comprising County and Borough Councils, Town Boards, Chambers of Commerce, Industrial Associations, branches of Farmers’ Unions, dairy companies, Harbour Boards, etc., interested in the installation of hydro-electric power.” “Representation: That the League be composed of delegates from County and Borough Councils, Town Boards, Chambers of Commerce, and Industrial Associations, branches of the Farmers’ Union, dairy companies, etc.” “Objects: To watch over and take every means to secure the installation of hydro-electric power at the earliest possible moment in the districts covered by the League.”

“Finance: That County and Borough Councils contribute £2 2s each, and the other bodies named £1 Is each as a working fund, and further expenses be met by a levy on local bodies, pro rata.” “Vililance Committee: That a Vigilance Committee, comprising eleven members, be elected, to appoint its own chairman and secretary, three to form a quorum.” On Mr Maekay’s motion, Palmerston was made the headquarters of the League. A Vigilance Committee, as follows, was elected: Messrs E. H. Crabb (chairman), T.. R- Hodder and J. A. Nash (Palmerston North), Cooper (Masterton), ■ Mathieson (Eketahuna), F. Townsend (Mayor of Miramar), W. H. P. Barter (Wellington), A. Harris (Wanganui), P. C. Wilson (Marton), E. Law (Shannon). Mr W» McKenzie was appointed secretary.