HYDRO-ELECTRIC SCHEME

Otaki Mail, Volume XXIII, 22 December 1920, Page 3

HYDRO-ELECTRIC SCHEME

POWER BOARD TO BE PORMED. A meeting of local body' representatives was held at Levin yesterday tc consider, the advisability of furtlici promoting the hydro-electric schcmt for the district embracing part oi Manawatu, Levin. Horowhenua Coup tv, Poston, Otaki, and south to Pae kakariki. Representatives were pre sent as follows: Mr G. A. Monl (Horowhenua County Council), Messr C. Kilsby and G. F. Davies (Otak Town Board), Mr Chrystall (Foxton) Mr D. At. Matheson (Levin), A. 1 Mackay (Hutt County' Council), am Mr W. Murdoch (Shannon). The Chairman (Mr Monk) cxplainc. that the meeting was one called to so

up a committee to go into the questio. of boundaries for the district. As fa as his county was concerned he iva: satisfied with the boundaries as pro viously mappeti out, i>ut he thought perhaps, Manawatu and the Hull Councils might not favour these. H considered it, wise to come to some decision as to the size of a district am what steps to take, and then form a power board. Personally, he was pie pared to push straight on with thr scheme, and understood that othc. delegates were empowered to similarly act for their respective bodies | The-Manawatu County Council were endeavouring to get a district of thoii own, but they were told it- was not advisable, and as a result that Council was taking no interest in the present meeting. The time would come, lie considered, when Manawatu would form part of this district, and reticulation would be done cheaper by their joining. He was not taking up the dog-in-the-manger attitude when he said ho 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. Ho was informed that there was little chance of Manawatu being constituted a sepa- ! rate district, in which case part of that district would join the Horowhenua scheme. Pox ton, said Mr, Chrystall, had decided to join HOIO-; whenua, and he suggested Mr Monk beappointed chairman of the committee. Mr Matheson said that all delegates,excepting Manawatu. had agreed to fall in with the scheme.

Mr Mackay said lie acted on full authority from liis Council, but, could not vouch for the ratepayers, although

it was certainly in their interests to join Horowhenua. The Chairman said the petition would be presented 1.0 the ratepayers, when 25 per cent would have to sign so as to get a power district. Mr Mackay considered the boundary could not be improved on, and that it would be foolish for Paekakariki residents to desire to join ‘Wellington. He was willing to .give the movement

every support. Mr Murdoch said Shannon was compelled to join, and this he considered unjust and inequitable. Shannon, he aaid, was willing to go “on its o\vn. and pay, as the bulk tiro rata would fall more heavily on borough councils than on counties. As it was the poor were going to help the rich, which was not fair —they should pay for what they got. Shannon, however, had noj option but to join, .tailing 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 as soon as possible, and with this view in end intended to erect plant and poles. He asked, Would they be taken over? The Chairman answered in the affirmative. Mr Kilsbv said Otaki wanted light as soon as possible, and intended to push on with nil preliminary work wi tho lit delay. j The Chairman said it was necessary now to -gel' out the petition, and hr suggested Mr Goldsmith act as secre-J tarv. 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 Matlieson 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 to 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.