HOROWHENUA RETICULATION.

Shannon News, 23 May 1922, Page 3

HOROWHENUA RETICULATION.

WILL BE READY ON TIME. The attention of Mr G. Monk, chairman of , the Horowhenua Electric representative last week to a Power Board, was drawn by a News statement made by Mr" G. Mitchell, M.P., to the effect that progress was going on so well at Mangahao that that the power would be available on schedule time, and there was a possibility of some of the Boards not Laving their, reticulation completed in time to receive the current.

Mr Monk said so far as Horowhenua was concerned, the reticulation would be completed in about twelve months’ time, and it was certain to be ready to receive the power at the end of 1923, when it was expected the power would be turned on. A certain amount, of course, would depend on: the attitude of the ratepayers when the loan proposal was submitted to them, but he did not anticipate any trouble at all- in that quarter, as the ratepayers were sufficiently aware of the value of electricity not to place any obstacle in the way of the Board. He thought that the proposal would be submitted in about two months’ time, when the poll would take place. The Engineer (Mr Overton), Mr Monk continued, was favourably impressed with the Horowhenua district, the reticulation of which did not present any great difficulties. It was compact, and should he easily worked. the fact of there being four boroughs in this district was a big he ip, as they were the centre of considerable populations, which was an advantage in the reticulation work. In fact, our whole district was well settled, and we had good country with no barren tracts, with sparse settlement, as was the case in places in the Waikato. The ' preliminary work would occupy some months, and it would be about the New Year before the reticulation work started. When the loan was carried, and other preparations made, a few months would suffice to procure the poles and ether material. Mr Monk said he hoped the flaxmills would keep going- at lull pressure, because with the advantage of cheap power it would be a greatsaving’ and help the industry considerably.

The chairman paid a tribute to the excellence of the Horowhenua Board. It was comprised of keen, enthusiastic men, who were taking a great interest in their work, giving him (the chairman) every support, and taking a lot of work off his shoulders. So far as Horowhenua was concerned, the whole scheme was going on most satisfactorily.