The Daily News. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1919. ELECTRIC POWER.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 November 1919, Page 4

The Daily News. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1919. ELECTRIC POWER.

The discussion which took place at the meeting of the Stratford Borough Council on Monday relative to the cost of electric power current, and the necessity for a larger and cheaper supply, emphasises the need for a comprehensive scheme which will link up the whole of Taranaki during the interval that must elapse before the Government project for distributing electric energy materialises. Those who are enjoying the benefits resulting from New Plymouth's hydroelectric undertaking can readily sympathise with the people of Stratford and other towns in the province who are not so favorably situated in this respect, but, to be of service, sympathy must be practical, and an evidence of this is afforded in the willingness of the New Plymouth Council to so arrange its extended scheme as to cover practically the whole of, I the province. It is obvious,! however, that there must bei a basis _ of good faith and I co-operation if the desired result I is to be achieved. The New | Plymouth Council has been! advised by Mr. Blair Mason and! its own electrical engineer (Mr. Bartley) that from 6000 to 8000 horse-power can be generated, and the advice of these experts far outweighs theories advanced: by laymen. At the same time, it is evident that before embarking on such a large venture the New Plymouth Council should have the support and co-operation of outside towns as purchasers of current on equitable terms. The responsibility of such a large undertaking is very heavy, but the Borough, no doubt, would be prepared to shoulder it, while the outside towns purchasing the current will merely have to pay the agreed price, and sell it to their consumers. It is a pure business proposal devoid of selfishness or ulterior motive, and it may be justly claimed that the scheme is in the best interests of the province. The main point is that' electric power can be provided at New Plymouth for use by other towns if they wish to purchase it; if not, there will certainly be no pressure exercised to induce business. "We venture to suggest that the time has arrived for taking a broad view of this matter, one result of which should be the elimination of local feeling in matters affecting the province. This could be usefully exemplified by the whole of the local bodies in Taranaki bringing pressure to bear on the Government to supply and erect transmission lines for reticulating the province at the earliest possible moment, connecting these lines for the time being with the New Plymouth system, and taking them over when the main Government system reaches this part of the Dominion. If vigorous action in this direction were taken it .should cheapen the cost of the service, but, what is of more importance, it should expedite the distribution of electric power throughout the province. The Stratford Council acted wisely in deciding to confer with the New Plymouth Council. It is by acting together in a friendly spirit that the misapprehensions exhibited during the Sfratford Council's meeting on Monday will be removed and benefits conferred. SAMOA. Although the complete terms of the mandate over Samoa have not yet been received, it has been necessary for the New Zealand Government, to frame a draft adminietratiou, whiokhas been tub-

mitted to Parliament in order that the some suitable form of Government might be established for the guidance of the Administrator. With the experience that the Dominion has gained in dealing with the Maoris there should be no difficulty in devising appropriate regulations for securing good government in Samoa', especially as it is proposed to maintain as far as possible the laws and privileges of the natives. Besides the Administrator and his deputy there will be a nominated Council having authority to make ordinances. The reason for the Council being nominated is the presence of an alien body. At the same time natives are qualified for nomination. The Civil Service will be supplied from New Zealand, the only practical plan that could be relied upon to harmonise the administration with that of the Dominion. The early withdrawal of the garrison necessitates the formation of a police force, and it is obvious that at the outset, this force should be recruited in New Zealand. The Government has rightly decided, in the interest of the Natives, to prohibit them from receiving any alcoholic liquor, and this embargo should be strictly enforced. Profiting by experience in the Dominion, the natives will not be permitted to sell any land except to the Government, a provision that should lave a material effect in the future when, as is hoped, they will learn the folly of idleness, and become prosperous producers. Naturally, the administration of justice is a most important factor in tlie new regime, for on the result of this work will depend whether troubles are rinimised or extended. Much will depend on the choice of the Chief Judge and his subordinates. It is too much to expect that troubles will not arise, but the foundation principles of British justice may be relied upon, under sympathetic treatment, to gradually impress the Natives with the benefits of British rule, and should form a stroiig contrast to German methods. On the whole the new constitution for Samoa should be found satisfactory and productive of results that will uplift the Natives'*and secure the prosperity of the island and its people.