WATER-POWER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 348, 26 March 1910, Page 4

WATER-POWER.

The power of water is the only tireless power. It is stupendous, overwhelming, and endless. Further, it can be transmitted over enormous distances, so that a scientist has asserted the possibility of furnishing European industries with power developed by Niagara. America has demonstrated to the world the immense commercial benefits that may be derived from harnessing the giant falls, and elsewhere throughout the civilised world projects have been undertaken that have revolutionised the development of motive-power. The news that the Prime Minister has decided to ask Parliament for an annual grant "up to £500,000" shows that political recognition of the value of water-power is Complete. There are many points to be considered in the proposed scheme. In the first place, Parliament may not be disposed to earmark so large an annual sum; the money, if voted, may not be spent; and other great developmental projects may hamper the proposed undertaking. The magnificent waterways of New Zealand cry aloud their utility and ask to be harnessed. Private commercial concerns have been refused use of water; others obtaining leases Jia.ve, it is said, acted unsatisfactorily; and the Government has therefore shown an indisposition to further private schemes having for their object the use of water-power and the profits of corporations of business people. It is reasonable that in a business community companies should desire to use for profit power that at present goes to waste; and if it could be proved that private holders of leases made reasonable profit only and by their enterprise effected a very possible general public benefit, there could be no objection to leasing. The Prime Minister, however, evidently feels that the water-power of the country is a national asset, and that the profits of handling should go to the people who own the waterways. A State undertaking which merely pays for itself is a good undertaking fo.- the State consists of the people who expend their necessary cash, and who should therefore reap the benefit of their expenditure. On the other hand, a private concern which has 110 object besides personal gain is freonentlv more enterprising than the State's servants for the reason stated. Tf the enthusiasm of a private company nvere always part of the outfit of a State department there could never be anv objection to the creation of a new department. Rirrht at our doors we have in the Wniwekaiho river an example of the great utility of waterpower. Such water-nower is universallv available in New Zealand, and it is to ■be hoped that the Government's nrojoct to develon this <?reat resource mav be undertaken as soon as ■nossiWi-' and continued. tn the advantage of the neon'e and the furtherance of industries in the Dominion.