GO-SLOW MANGAHAO.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 15 March 1920, Page 4

GO-SLOW MANGAHAO.

STRAIGHT TIPS FROM WAIRARAPA. Speaking at a hydro-electric conference in Wairarapa, Mr -i. C. Cooper let several cats oat of the bag. He said he ami Mr Moure had recently, visited Wellington and had interviewed several Government officials relative to the f scheme and the possibilities of obtaining power from other sources. The ' chief electrical engineer (Mr Birks) had informed them that several year* would elapse before power was available from the Mangaliao scheme, and I that the supply would lie limited. Tho estimated horse-power available from the Mangaliao scheme was 21,000, and it was estimated that the requirements would exceed 40,000. Mr Birks made it clear to them that if the Wairarapa wanted electrical energy it should proceed with its own scheme. They were informed by Mr Birks that the Waikaremouna scheme, the only one which the Wairarapa could expect to obtain , power from, was likely to be proceeded | with in the near future. They after- j wards interviewed Mr Holmes, of the i Public Works Department, who assured j them that he had received no authority j to undertake anything in connection I with the Wnikarcmouna scheme. ft ! was pointed out that, labourers were j only being paid 12s per day on ti.e ! Mangaliao scheme, the consequence j being that only limited and inferior { workmen were available. They had : asked what the outcome would be if | 14s per day was paid'labourers on tho i local scheme, and were informed that I it would progress while the Mangaliao scheme remained practically stationary. The Mangaliao scheme was one of (hose projects that may hang on for years and years. The impression created on iheir minds from tho interviews was rhat thev should play off their owe ha: ~,,: nroc.eed with the local work-.