MAKURI WATER-POWER SCHEME.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10131, 29 October 1910, Page 5

MAKURI WATER-POWER SCHEME.

CONFERENCE AT PAHIATUA,

AN APPROVING' RESOLUTION PASSED.

(By Our Special Reporter.)

A conference of the delegates of the local ' bodies and Chambers of Commerce interested in the Makuri water-power scheme, convened by the Pahiatua Railway League, was held in Pahiatua yesterday. Palmerston North was represented by Messrs J. A. Nash (Mayor), and Jickell (Engineer), and Elliott (member of the Chamber of Commerce)'Woodvilfe by Messrs J. A. Me.Woodv'ilio by Messrs J. A. ,MefKibbin (Mayor) and Rowe renneli; Dannevirke by Messrs Blakistor, (Chamber of Commerce), Thompson, T. L. Buick and Greenwood; Pahiatua by Mr W. W. McCardle (Mayor), several Councillors, and Mr A. Evans (Chamber of Commerce) ; Pahiatua County by the chairman (Mr T. Hodgins), and Cv '6. Bolton; and Eketahuna by Mr T. Parsons (Borough Council), Mr B. Morriss (County Council), and Mr W. A. Boyes (Chamber of Commerce). Auologies were received from Messrs" Ross, Hogg, and. nail, .M.'sP., the Mavors of Masterton and Dannevirke, 'and the chairman of the Akitio County Council. .

The delegates were driven out to Makuri in motor-cars and other vehicles, and inspected the river and conformation of the country, after which they were entertained at luncheon by a Makuri Committee. On their return to Pahiatua, the conference was held in the Borough Council Chambers, at which the Mayor ofPahia,ua (Mr M'Cardk) presided. There was also a large attendance of the public. The chief speaker was Mr David Crewe, who was the prime mover in organising the conference. Mr Crewe read apologies from various representative men, all of whom, ho said, had wished the Makuri project success. The conference, ho pointed out, was,, the outcome of a public meeting recently held in Pahiatua. The Makuri" water-power scheme was not a local affair. It concerned the townships of Palrnerston North, Masterton, Dannevirke, Woodville, and all the surrounding districts. He was satisfied that, after visiting Makuri that day, the whole of the delegates would use their influence in securing the adoption of this scheme. Some townships and papers had desired to be' on safe ground', but he believed that these would now be convinced of the utility of the proposal.. The Go-/;-vernment* Engineer (Mr Kay) .had; already sent in a full report on the ; scheme, which was, he thought, the only definite report before. the Government. He had much pleasure, in moving, "That the delegates of this conference, after visiting the Makuri Gorge, are of opinion that the proposed Makuri electric power scheme should be one of the first to be undertaken by the Government."

Mr IN ash (Mayor or Jfaimerston .North) said it was with a gi'eat deal oifr pleasure/-that lie seconded the resolution. He pointed out that the Palmerston North Chamber of Commerce was not opposed to the Makuri sciieme. Although tney had supported the VVaikaremoana proposal, they were now in accord with the Government, which had decided that the -a.akun scheme snouid oe tirst undertaken. He wris strongly of opinion that it 'was the duty of the whole of the townships interested to support the- project. (Applause). Political feeings should' not be slowed to enter into the discussion. They should all heartily join in the movement. He wanted to see electrical energy supplied for Palmerston North as soon as possible. Mr Elliott, of the Palmerston North Chamber of Commerce, said his Chamber-had absolutely no idea of throwing cold water on the Makuri scheme. He was satisfied it was a good one. and he would strongly recommend its adoption. . Mr Blakiaton said the Daimevirke Chamber of Commerce heartily supported the scheme, which was not a provincial one. There might be rivalry over the prospective railways, but that was quite another matter. Mr McKibbh), of Wbodville, was convinced that the scheme was feasible, though it would not be of much service to his township, as they had a municipal gas supply. Woodviile would place no obstacle in the way of the Makuri scheme, but would support it, as he believed it would be a satisfactory one. (Applause). Mr S. Bolton, Pahiatua, expressed the opinion that by putting more than one dam in the river they could provide over 12, OtiO horse-power. Mr T. Hodgins, Pahiatua County, gave in emphatic denial to a report that he was opposed to the scheme. As far as the Pahiatua County Council was concerned, it would raise no opposition. It would, in fact, do all in its power to assist the project. With the railway scheme they were probably not so much in accord. . Mr T. Parsons, Eketahuna, said the Eketahuna Borough would benefit if this scheme vere adopted, .the power would be cheaper than their present power, and it would pay them to allow their plant to remain idle. He believed that if this meeting was unanimous it might influence the Government.

Mr P. Crewe said he was pleased to hear the sentiments expressed by the. visitor's. The Government had decided to go on- with the scheme, and all the data had been before them for some time. He believed the power would be accessible within the next three years. l The motion was thpn put and carried unanimously, amidst applause, and it was decided that copies be sent to the Government and to the members of the districts interested. Mr Nash said the meeting should not be allowed to terminate without placing on record its appreciation of the services rendered by Mr D. Crewe. The district owed that gentleman'a deep debt of gratitude for his services. He moved that he be heartily thanked for his service?. The motion was seconded by Mr Elliott, and carried with applause. Mr Crewe; in acknowledging the compliment, stated that he was leaving for the Old Country on December 20th. He hoped to receive a cable, in his absence, stating that the first sod had been turned. Votes of thanks to the Kailway League for its hospitality, and to the Chairman, for presiding, terminated the proceedings.