VETERAN M.P.'s LINK WITH TAUPO

Taupo Times, Volume III, Issue 139, 24 September 1954, Page 1

VETERAN M.P.'s LINK WITH TAUPO

GAVE LICENSE FOR TOWN'S POWER SCHEME ~ I Press references to the pending retirement from the Parliamentary scene of the Hon. Robert Semple, who celebrates his 81st birthday next month, will recall to older residents of Taupo that it was Mr Semple who was responsible for the policy decision giving Taupo its hydro-electric power supply. On a visit to Wellington in connection with the Taupo Town Board's efforts to obtain electric power, Dr. J. S. Armstrong, the Board's chairman, together with Mr Lloyd Mandeno, interviewed Mr Semple, and the then perinanent head of the State Hydro-Electric Department, Mr Kisscl.

Mr Kissel, in answer to a query from Dr. Armstrong, had stated that the Department would not have power to spare to supply Taupo whereupon Mr Semple said that the Taupo people were entitled to have power, and undertook to grant. the necessary license to the Town Board provided its engineer could locate a source of power supply above the level of Lake Taupo. This decision was a reversal of Departmental policy, which over a long period had fcccn aga'nst the

grant of any licenses, in favour of power development by the State only. It led directly to the establishment of the town's present munieipal power supply, which is thus a permanent link with one of the most picturesque political figures of the last quarter century. Now convalescing after a long Alness Mr Semple hopes to be fit enough to make his final bow in the House before the present session ends. He then plans to retire to New Plymouth.