ELECTRICITY FOR TARANAKI.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 October 1919, Page 4

ELECTRICITY FOR TARANAKI.

The announcement by the Minister of Public Works that lie has approved of pthe application made by the New Plymouth Borough Council for a license for an extended area over' which to supply electric current, should be received with much satisfaction throughout the province. It was never anticipated there would be any official objection to the scheme, which, when carried out, will be of the utmost service to the community, for it is admitted many years must elapse before the national scheme serves this district. Local bodies outside New Plymouth who take advantage of the scheme arc fully protected by the provision which is made for a review of the bulk charges at intervals of five years, so there can' be no question of exploitation, and when the national scheme eventually reaches the boundary of the Taranaki province it is stipulated that the Government will have the right to arrange for an interchange of power with the borough. The time has now arrived when it is necessary for outside authorities to decide whether or not they will become customers for the New Plymouth Borough's hydro-electric service. Those which agree to take the supply will certainly be acting wisely and in the best interests of their respective districts. That the service is urgently required has been amply demonstrated, and the boon will, doubtless, be greatly appreciated. There is a commendable public spirit behind this action of the New Plymouth Council which should have a satisfactory influence in the direction of promoting community of interest and co-operation between the various parts of the province. It was the spirit of unity that won the war, and it is of corresponding value in national affairs.