HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 January 1921, Page 5

HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER.

REQUIREMENTS OF ELTHAM. NEW PLYMOUTH CRITICISED. At a meeting of Eltham shopkeepers on Wednesday, Mr. H. G. Carman, in reply to questions, said the New Plymouth Borough Council were completely at a loss in connection with their hydro-electric scheme. They had authorised two loans, but now found that another one would be necessary, on account of the increased estimated cost of the work. But although he believed that the third loan had been authorised they could not get the money, and they did not know where they were. They had sent an engineer to Eltham and the local Hydro-Electric Committee had met a committee of the New Plymouth Borough Council, when the latter promised to supply and quoted a reasonable price—approximately 6d per light unit—but this promise, as they all knew, was never carried out. In the first place they had proposed to erect their own transmission lines, but. had subsequently proposed that the purchasers of the power should erect them south of Inglewood—which was an impossibility. They had since, however, approached the Government to erect the transmission lines right through to Patea, but he did not think they had met with much He was convinced that it was of no use expecting any power from New Plymouth for a number of years to come. The local Hydro-electric Committee were now considering the advisability of obtaining another report on the power available at the Patea River. Further investigation might prove of value. Mr. I. J. Bridger, who was in the chair, said he believed there was some doubt concerning Mr. Parry’s report. Mr. C. A. Wilkinson refuted this, and proceeded to express the opinion that the town would do well to develop electric power by Diesel engines if they could not obtain it by water power. Every little town in Taranaki had electric power except Eltham. This was a great handicap to the town. The authorities in Eltham were wedded to gas; but while the gas was very useful. they required electric power as well.

The Hon. W. Oarncross pointed out that the installation of electric power was a partial insurance against a coal Strike. He further pointed out that a number of private plants were being, installed.

Subsequently it was decided: “That Mr. Holder, on behalf of the meeting, write to the Borough Council requesting the council to obtain a report on the suitability of a Diesel plant for the generation of electric light and power, and an estimate of the cost.”—Argus.