HYDRO-ELECTRICITY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2194, 26 October 1920, Page 3

HYDRO-ELECTRICITY.

ALANDAHAO SUPPLY AVAILABLE

IN THREE YEARS

In the statement presented to Parliament at the end of the week, the'Minister of Public Works says; —Provided that no undue delay occurs in (lie delivery of plant from abroad, and coal for driving the construction plant is obtainable, and cement, the supply from Mangalmo can he made available within three years. The construction plant at Waikaremoana (1,000 horse-power) has been designed to form part of the permanent installation, and to bo large enough to give a local supply in the meanwhile to AVairoa County and Borough. This construction plant should he in operation within two years, and the main supply from Waikaremoana. within two years thereafter. The estimates of 1918 for the North Island system (100,000 h.p.) amounted to £7,303,402. At the present enhanced costs of labour and material this will considerably exceed £10,000,000; the South Island system will probably cost almost as much. The prosecution of these works at a satisfactory rate of progress will call for more skilled and unskilled labour than is at present available ;but it is hoped that the efforts of my colleague the Minister of Immigration will result in the early arrival in New Zealand of a sufficient number of suitable men. Further legislation dealing with hydro-electric matters is under careful consideration. In the meantime it is proposed to set up an advisory hoard consisting of business men of standing to advise the . Government on various questions connected with the business management of its power undertakings, and on questions of policy in connection with the development, distribution, and sale of hydroelectric power.