The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 1920. HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 June 1920, Page 4

The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 1920. HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER.

In replying to a deputation at Wellington last week, the Minister lor Public Works (Hon. J. (I. Coates) . admitted that hydroelectric power was essential to the development of the Dominion's industries, and that it was the policy of the Government to develop this power, but, he added " there were many difficulties in the way." Referring to the labor difficulty, he said that would soon disappear, and the department, in the meantime, would try to get materials together so as "to get along with the job in the right way," for which the purchase of the necessary machinery must be made after full information had been secured. After referring to Mr. Parrey's scheme, ,■ the Minister stated it had been suggested that the Waikaremoana scheme should be commenced in September, but that if Maori labor was available "something might be done ear- . lier." As to the Arapuni souree, the site fias not yet been fixed. It appears, however, that plant has been on order for two years, but its delivery is still uncertain, and that some contracts for goods have been cancelled, owing to rise in prices. That is the ease for the department, and it cannot be claimed that it is in any way satisfactory. The Government may be most anxious to push the work forward, yet practically nothing !has been done, though much talk has taken place. Mr. Evan Parry's scheme was outlined in October, 1918, its object being to develop - 160,000 horse-power for supplying n the North Island with electric current, the Mangahao river (near Shannon), supplying 24,000 h.p., Lake Waikaremoana 40,000, bui capable of extension to 100,000, and Arapuni rapids (on the Waikato river) 96,000, at a total estimated cost of £7,303,042. It will be noticed that Mr. Coates first stated that the necessary machinery must be purchased after full information had been secured, and later on alluded to plant having been on order for two years. The apparently inconsistent nature of these assertions may be capable of explanation, but it is more than probable that information has yet to be gathered as to What plant I should be acquired. Had there been any actual step taken towards a commencement of this vitally important hydro-electric work, the Minister would certainly have made a point of giving it prominent notice. Although he mentioned the possibility of start- ® ing the work at Waikaremoana bell fore September, he at the same i- time disclosed the fact that plans > And specifications were not

pared, nor do we see how they could be if the Government is still seeking information on the matter. j Unless the anxiety of the Government to push the work forward is of very recent growth, it is difficult to understand why during the last two years there has been a policy of masterly inactivity, in spite of the fact that hydro-elec-trical power is admittedly essential to the development of New Zealand industries. No more potent reason could be found for stimulating Government activity, yet practically nothing has been done but to order some plant, the nature of which is shrouded in mystery. It is certainly remarkable that on the one hand there is a persistent outcry for greater production, yet, on the other hand, important aids for.bringing about that increase are deplorably conspicuous by their absence. There must be a large amount of preliminary work that could and should have been taken in hand, but as yet the plans have not materialised, and in the case of Arapuni the site, is still in doubt. The people of the North Island are clamoring for electric light and power. They know what has been done at Lake Coleridge, and they naturally feel aggrieved that nothing tangible is being done to give them the facilities which have been provided in the South Island. The Minister's excuses and professions, however well couceived, tend to aggravate the patience of the public. What is , wanted is definite action—not in the more or less distant future, but in the immediate present. There is not the slightest need to wait for plant and machinery. If the Minister and his colleagues are in earnest, no further time should be wasted, hut the plans should be 1 at once put in hand and completed with the utmost possible despatch, and as soon as the plans are approved a start should be made, and 1 the work carried on vigorously.