POWER FRON MANGAHAO.
WHEN WILL IT BE AVAILABLE?
'The question of the supply of power from Mangahao was given some attention at the meeting of the Horowhenua Power Board on Tuesday. The Dannevirke Electric Power Board wrote that it was very concerned on account of the continued reports from those in authority to know that the current would not be available at the end of 1923, although the Minister for Public Works had from time to time given assurances that it would be ready on schedule time. This matter concerned Boards vitally, and the Dannevirke Board was proceeding with its financial arrangements in the full belief that the Mangahao would be ready in December next. If power was not available it would be a very serious loss to the Boards who are to receive their power from there. The Board stated that a deputation was waiting on the Minister that day.
The chairman (Mr G. A. Monk) said it was unfortunate their Board was not represented on the deputation but as it was their meeting day he. Celt it his duty to be present at that meeting. However, Mr Field was acting for the Board on the deputation and would do his best in its interests.
A letter was then read from Mr L. Birks, Chief Electrical Engineer, who wrote that in connection with the proposed contract for the supply of power from Mangahao, the amount of 1,200 k.v.a. had been allocated to the Horowhenua Board. It was necessary if that amount was to be reserved that some definite guarantee should be obtained from the Board as to the period within which this allocation would be utised and paid 1 for. It was considered that in the fifth year the Board should utilise the whole amount reserved’ for its use, and that in the previous years it should undertake to utilise and pay for definite proportions of this amount. On the basis of ultimate, allocation of 1200 k.v.a. it.was considered the Board should be in a position to guarantee in the first live years of operation the following average demand and payment for power— First year, average demand 480 k.v.a., annual payment, £4240. Second year, 600, £5,200. Third year, 720, £6,160. Fourth year, 960, £B,OBO. Fifth- year, 1,200, £IO,OOO.
It was necessary for the financial success of the scheme that power should be sold as rapidly as possible, as it was impossible for plant to be kept idle to comply with any allocation greater than the Board was prepared to guarantee within a reasonable period. The chairman stated that unless the Bo.ard got further information as to when they would get the power he did not think they should enter into a contract. He thought the Power Boards should co-operate as there -was great-'necessity of working together and not against each other if-they-were- to get-the best results in dealing with the Department. “The -important thing we want to know,” said the chairman, “is when • we- arc going to get the power. We see-from time to time where the Minister says the power will be available on time, and yet the papers a few days ago said the recent floods would cause a delay of three months. Those d'elays may go on from time to time and cause serious delay.”
The engineer (Mr Overton) said if allowance had not been made for a washout it raised grave suspicion as to the time they would get the ■power. . Mr A; Seifert supported the view of i the chairman. They should not ■enter into a conti’act until they saw what-other boards were doing. As to Mr Birks’ letter, he thought this district would take the full allotment of-power quicker than most districts owing to its industries. Mr Seifert ■ said that he did not. feel easy in liis mind about the delivery of the power to the boards, and such incidents as the recent washout should have been anticipated and allowed for. The chairman said the position was the - Department wanted the
Board to enter into a contract re the taking of power, but was it not a fair thing to ask the Department to guarantee the power being available at the due date. Mr D. W. Matlieson said the Department’s policy was right in disposing of its power as it was doing and it Avas the only way of getting the power cheap. But there should be an agreement on the Department’s side to supply the power when the Board was ready for it. United action was necessary by the Board, and he favoured the idea of a league of boards and thought something should be done to bring the boards together.
The chairman sa'id Mr Nash, of Palmerston North, had that matter in hand.
Mr W. Barber said a question that was concerning the ordinary consumer was what was the service going to cost? There should be something made public on that, point. The chairman stated he had gone intio that matter with the engineer, and a statement would be made in the near future.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MH19230224.2.24
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Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2547, 24 February 1923, Page 4
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843POWER FRON MANGAHAO. Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2547, 24 February 1923, Page 4
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