Arapuni Liability

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1000, 17 June 1930, Page 8

Arapuni Liability

WILL TRAMWAY COST RISE? WHEN the position at Arapuni was discussed by the Auckland Electric-Power Board yesterday afternoon, the chairman, Mr. W. J. Holdsworth, and other speakers emphasised their view that the Government should recognise its responsibilities. Hope for the provision of a reserve source of supply, a steam-plant at Huntly being suggested, was held out by the board. Another aspect raised was the probable effect of the strain on power supply on the cost of electricity for transport.

Reporting to the board, the general manager, Mr. R. H. Bartley, said he had noticed a statement by the Public Works Department that its agreement protected it against liability in the event of power interruption. This was true, hut the protection was intended to apply to ordinary interruptions to which any power plant was subjected. Mr. Bartley contended that the shutting off of the Arapuni supply for an indefinite period came under entirely different consideration and was not intended to be covered by the clause mentioned.

The future was vitally important to the board and instant consideration was essential. It was reasonable to suppose that the consumers would not tolerate the restrictions indefinitely, and extensions and the adding of load could not be retarded without affecting seriously the financial position of the board. Estimates framed under completely different conditions would have to he rejected. Sufficient was known of the Arapuni trouble for the board to realise its magnitude and the time required for remedial work. NEW POWER URGENT Mr. Bartley was convinced that extra power would have to be supplied in a shorter time than could bo expected from Arapuni. It was imperative, whether undertaken by the Government or by the board, for its district only. Under the circumstances, it was a responsibility of the Government. King’s Wharf must be regarded as a temporary expedient only. There, the staff had accepted the position in the best manner possible. Mr. Holdsworth agreed with Mr. Bartley that the protection for the Government could apply only to ordinary stoppages, adding, "When the board closed down King’s Wharf, it was with full confidence in the Government's ability to supply, according to a binding contract. It will take serious thought by the board to find a way out. “The Government's attitude that it has no concern in the failure is neither right nor proper. The board decided last Monday to help the Gov-

eminent in any way possible, and it Is only right that the Government should realise its responsibility.” Mr. Holdsworth, referring to his interview with the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. W. B. Taverner, said the Minister had not attempted to minimise the gravity of the situation. Until reports came from Mr. F. W. Furkert, chief engineer to the Public Works Department, and the geologist, Mr. Taverner was not prepared to say what was necessary. He was agreeable to Mr. Holdswortli’s suggestion of a conference, after the reports were made. Approval of a conference had also been given by Mr. Furkert, and the district engineer at Hamilton. Mr. T. McLennan. FUTURE OBLIGATIONS The future must occupy the board as well as the present. Arapuni would prove an expensive and long undertaking, and, even if the board were put to expense, a solution would have to be found. Possibly, consideration would have to be given to a quicker source of supply than a steam-plant at Huntly. Meanwhile, the Government was expected to realise its obligations. At the suggestion of Mr. J. Park, it was agreed to send the board's appreciation to the King’s Wharf staff. Mr. Park remarked that a steam-plant at Huntly was an idea approved by the late Rt. Hon. W. F. Massey. Replying to .VI r. E. H. Potter, the chairman said time would be needed to repair sets at Horahora which were not running at full efficiency. Mr. Bartley explained that silt from Arapuni had raised the bed of the Waikato River and reduced the "head” at Horahora. Mr. S. T. Crookes thought the possible financial effect on the board might be reflected on the charges on the Auckland Transport Board, which would be entitled to take part in any conference. A steam-plant at Huntly might not be assembled within 12 months. Mr. Bartley said that there was nothing in the agreement with the Government binding the board to retain King’s Wharf. ‘‘lt could have been dismantled,” remarked Mr. T. Bloodworth.