September 29.
Details are now available of an important development in the way of generating electricity from water-power for domestic and industrial purposes on a large scale, with particular reference to the North of Scotland. It is proposed that Inverness should be one of the electricity centres to serve the areas into which the country was divided following upon the report of the Water-Power Resources Committee. The scheme at present under consideration contemplates the supply of a wide area, with Inverness as its centre, abd extending as far as Elgin to. the east and Kingussie to the south, with main lines running to the north.
The announcement is at the same time made of the intention to electrify the Highland Railway. it has been common practice in recent years to electrify small subsidiary lines; but this will be the first instance of an important main line. The transition from steam to electricity as the motive power, it is understood, can easily be made. The standard gauge can be used, and the rolling-stock can readily be adapted for electrical haulage.
The Inverness scheme is ohjy one of several that are gradually taking shape in Scotland. Experts consider that the utilization of water-power at present running to waste is quite practicable, The establishment of such centres as Inverness for the supply of electricity for a wide surrounding area opens up a new era ili country life. It means that an abundant supply of electricity for lighting and industrial purposes will be available for the smallest country village. The dim, lamp-lit streets of the Scottish villages, with in effective oil flame for lighting the interiors of the dwellings, will soon be a thing of the past in large districts. campaign. What with the present cost of paper and printing the conclusion is that before the vote is taken in Scotland during November, both sides will have spent not less than half a million of pounds in propaganda, either directly in cash or the equivalent of cash.
This, in my opinion, is an under estimate.. From my personal knowledge of what is being spent, I should not hesitate to put down the sum at three-quarters of a million. And this will be only the beginning of the fight, for, whatever the result, another poll can be taken in three years.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.