HYDRO-ELECTRIC SCHEME.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2220, 28 December 1920, Page 3

HYDRO-ELECTRIC SCHEME.

POWER BOARD TO BE FORMED

A meeting of local body representatives 1 was held at Levin last week to consider the advisability of further promoting the hydro-electric scheme for the district embracing part of Manawatu, Levin, Horowhenua County, Foxton, Ota hi, and south of Paekakariki. Representatives were present as follows: —Mr G. A. Monk (Horowhenua County Council), Messrs C. Ivilsby and G. F. Davies (Otaki Town Board), Mr Chrvstall (Foxton), Mr D. W. Matheson (Levin), A. L. Mackay (Hutt County Council), and Mr W. Murdoch (Shannon). The Chairman (Mr Monk) explained that the meeting was one called to set up a committee to go into the question of boundaries for the district. As far as his county was concerned he was satisfied with the boundaries as previously mapped out, but he thought perhaps Manawatu and the Hull Councils might not favour these. He considered it wise to come to some decision as to the size of a district, and what steps to take, and then form a power board. Personally he was prepared to push straight on with the scheme, and understood that other delegates were empowered to similarly act for their respective bodies. The Manawatu County Council were endeavouring to get a district of their own, but (hey were told it was not advisable, and as a result that Council was taking no interest in the present meeting. The time would come, he considered, when Manawatu would form part of this district, and reticulation would be done cheaper by their joining. He was not taking up (lie dog-in-the-manger attitude when he said he hoped Manawatu would not get a separate district. He thought Manawatu should work wholeheartedly in the present scheme.

Mr Chrystall said he was pleased to see activity in the scheme as far as this district was concerned. He was informed that there was little chance of Manawahi being constituted a separate district, in which case part of that district-would .join IJorowlienua scheme. Foxton, said Mr Chrystall, had decided to join Horowhenua, and he suggested Mr .Monk he appointed chairman of the committee.

Mr Matheson said that all delegates, excepting Manawaln. had agreed to fall in with the scheme. Mr Mackay said he acted on full authority from his Council, but could not vouch for the ratepayers, although i-t was certainly in their interests to join Horowhenua. The Chairman said the petition would he presented to the ratepayers, when 25 per cent, would have la sign so as to get a power district.

Mr Mackay considered the boundary could nut be improved on, and that it would be foolish for Puekakariki residents to desire to join Wellington. He was willing to give tiu> movement every support. Mr Murdoch said Shannon was compelled lo join, and this he considered unjust and inequitable. Shannon, he said, was willing lo go

“on its own,” and pay, as the bulk pro rata would fall more heavily on borough councils than on counties. As it was, the poor were going lo help the rich, which was not fair —they should pay for what they got. Shannon, however, had no option but to join, failing which they would get no power. It was outrageous to force the scheme on Shannon. Mr Murdoch said his borough had decided to secure light a." soon as possible, and with this end. in view intended to erect plant and poles. He asked: Would they be taken over? The Chairman answered in (he affirmative.

Mr Kilsby said Olaki wanted light as soon as possible, and intended lo push' on with all preliminary work without delay. “ The Chairman said it was necessary now to get out the petition, and he suggested Mr Goldsmith act as secretary. Signatures could be obtained by representatives of local bodies interested. Mr Chrystall moved that the area of the proposed Horowhenua. electric power district be as defined on the Public Works map. This was seconded by Mr Matheson, and carried.

Mr Monk was appointed chairman, Mr Matheson vice-chairman, and Mr Goldsmith secretary. The latter was empowered to engage necessary assistance. It was decided to pay initial expenses on a pro rata basis. The secretary was empowered lo take the necessary steps to form an electric board.

Members generally expressed pleasure at the progress made, and stated their intention of forwarding the movement as expeditiously as possible.