HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 8, Issue 452, 21 February 1919, Page 1

HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER

% Referring to the conference of delegates of local authorities and Chambers of Commerce held at Hamilton last week, at which various representatives from the Lower Waikato were present, the " Waikato Times '' says : The decision arrived at by the Hydro-Electric Conference on Wednesday, that the Government be requested to exercise its option and purchase the Hora Hora works, will, we are sure, meet with general endorsement. No other course would be satisfactory, and it is gratifying to know that the whole district is of the one mind on the matter. The conference was so thoroughly representative that the Minister cannot ignore its findings, and the argumennts in favour of the immediate acquisition of Hora Hora are so potent and forcible that they must convince the authorities. The only objection raised to the proposal on Wednesday was that it did not go far enough, that the scheme was purely a Waikato one, and that certain districts would not benefit by the service. This, of course, is recognised ; but the argument that the flora Hora scheme would materially delay the carrying out of the larger project is neutralised by Mr Parry's statement that the utilisation cf power from Hora Hora will be necessary for the construction of the larger work. Thus it follows that the acquisition of the Hora Hora works is an essential prelude to Arapuni, and that the conference in urging the immediate taking of that step is also furthering the Arapuni proposal. Now that matters have been definitely decided upon, it behoves the promoters to leave no stone unturned to bring the proposal prominently before Minis ters No time should be lost in selecting the delegates to proceed to Wellington. They have a strong case and should experience little difficulty in convincing Ministers as to the advisableness, from every point of view, of proceeding with the acquisition of the works and tho construction of trunk lines. The ex pemliture involved is by no means a Unje i'em compared with tho accru ing advantages, and it would bo a iiiyaMe proposition almost from it* inception. It is to he regretted that tne decided to refer tho appointment of delegates to tho iical bodies, as it will be fully a month ere thry can be selected, and thus valuable time will be lost. Mr Parry, who will be leaving for Eng land in a few weeks' time, is particularly anxious to put the work in '■and previous to his departure and f no tune i.s lost in approaching Mini-stern lie may yet he able to do '> In view of the urgent and .suable nature of the work there >■< 'I be no fear that Parliament will nt ratify any action that may be ken by Ministers, prior to tho ses ■don, in order that the carrying out d the scheme may bo expedited.