Bridgton High School - Corona Yearbook (Bridgton, ME)

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THE CORONA g15 HONOR ESSAY THE WATER POWER QUESTION XYater power development in Maine IS a subject which, at the present time, is engaging the thoughtful attention of a greater number of her citizens than at any time in the history of this de- velopment. The two outstanding phases of this subject which are being widely dis- cussed are: First: Shall the present law forbid- ding the export of electric energy gen- erated by water power be repealed? Second: XYhat can be done to assist in promoting the construction of elec- tric lines to serve the farms and rural communities that are at the present time unable to avail themselves of the service? As for the first proposition, the law prohibiting the exportation of power out of the state, it was enacted on the theory that if its vast amount of po- tential power could be used only with- in the state it would be a great induce- ment, if not an actually compelling fac- tor, in bringing to Maine many indus- tries requiring a large amount of cheap power. It was further argued that if this power was allowed to be sent into other states that these states would retain the great manufacturing indus- tries while Maine would simply be a power station for the rest of New England. After a trial of more than lifteen years it is becoming apparent that however plausible the theory may have appeared, the actual results have failed to demonstrate its soundness. It is doubtful if a single instance can be cited where an industry has located in this state as a result of this law. The reason for this is probably that, with perhaps the exception of the pa- per industry, the relation which the cost of power bears to the total cost of the finished product is so small as to make it a relatively unimportant factor. Furthermore, when the small differ- ence between the cost of water power and power from other sources is con- sidered, it would seem doubtful if the proposition for keeping all the water power that may be developed within her own borders would ever be a con- trolling, or even influential factor in bringing industry to Maine. On the other hand, it has appeared in at least one instance that an indus- try which required a very large amount of cheap power in seeking to locate 'here encountered this situation,- power was not available in sufficient quantities from sources already de- veloped at a price that could be paid. In order to economically utilize one of the large undeveloped power sites it would have been necessary to build a plant capable of generating three or four times the amount of power that could be used by this enterprise at the start. VVith no market for the surplus power assured in the state, and for- bidden by law to sell it outside, it is not difficult to see why this large man- ufacturing enterprise went elsewhere. It is also becoming evident that in- stead of there being an increasing com- petition for sources of power, there is more likelihood, in the immediate future, at least, of there being com- petition for a market for the power which may be developed. XN'ith these facts in mind and laying all prejudice aside, it is difficult to see why electric energy, as a commercial commodity, should not be allowed a free market for all surplus that may be produced, after fully meeting the de- mands of the territory primarily served. It has never been seriously argued, you will agree, that by sending

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14 THE C ORONA erage can be applied to the flavoring of a cake or of a dessert with choco- late. In all the thousands of recipes appearing in cook books, only a few principles of cooking are involved. The pupil who appreciates this fact be- comes a resourceful worker and ac- quires skill in a short time. A dining table with carefully laid covers is always inviting. Graceful serving of food at such a table is an art. The ability to serve food in an at- tractive way is an accomplishment that no girl should fail to acquire. For example, here in our domestic science course the pupils are taught how to set a table properly and howto wait on a table. To show their ability in this, a supper is served annually to the mem- bers of the school board and the super- intendent of schools. Upon woman, the chief spcnder, de- pends the wise or unwise apportion- ment of the income to the various needs of the family, shelter, food, clothing, etc. Abundant opportunity to learn to become a wise spender awaits her inthe field of clothing. It is possible for her to provide for her- self and others, suitable wearing ap- parel that will not deplete the purse. yet give joy and satisfaction to the wearer. XVhen purchasing ready-to- wear garments, she should be able to judge them as regards their durability and quality, their suitability, the be- comingness of color and line, and the price in relation to her allowance. To become a master workman in the art of clothing herself and others, wisely and well, the young woman should know the industries concerned in the making of women's apparel, in the production and preparation of the fibers of which the materials are made, the manufacture of the fabrics, and the construction of the garments them- selves. She should become familiar with the principles of design which re- late to clothing, and through the study of artistic forms in sculpture, painting and historic costume, learn to choose for herself and others colors, lines and styles that are becoming. Add to this technical skill in draping and the cut- ting of cloth by pattern, along with use of needles. pins and shears in the con- struction of garments and the equip- ment of a pupil of our domestic science is complete, for her training is just this. There are few girls who will not nave. at sometime, the management of a home. The keeping of personal ac- counts, while in school, will furnish a girl with the necessary practice and training. Few housewives keep ac- counts, few families know where they could save, simply because they have no accurate knowledge of their ex- penses. lint there is an increasing number of housewives who, seeing the necessity for this, are giving their daughters the training that will fit them to manage a home properly. The girl trained to keep her own personal ac- counts will lind it an easy mattertpto in- crease her knowledge of accounts and to extend her practice to the keeping of the accounts of a household. All this training in domestic science the girls has proved very helpful to who have taken the course. It has at home made their work in helping more interesting, and that is certainly worthwhile. It is a pleasure to be proud of our homes, and an even greater pleasure to know how to make them more attractive, to make real homes where we work together for the good of each, and 6 where, because we appreciate all that goes into the mak- ing of a home, we are eager and glad to do our share to add to its charm. PZTTA E. CLARK, '28,

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16 THE C ORONA out of the state the surplus shoes, tex- tiles, or farm products our people would have to go barefooted. un- clothed or hungryg in fact. we should expect that any attempt to present the marketing of these commodities out- side the state wherever a demand exists, would result, not in lower prices, but simply in driving out those engaged in their production. Light and power companies in all sections of the country are co-operat- ing with agricultural experiment sta- tions and farm bureau organizations in a study of the problems presented in this work. Recently a careful study has been made of the problems en- volved in the territory of one particu- lar company. A few figures showing just what would be required to render service to this entire area would be of interest. This company is now operating about 550 miles of distribution lines. serving approximately 200,000 people. The total population of all towns with- in this territory is around C300,000, thus 100,000 people, or one-third of the pop- ulation, are left without electric service. - The total highway mileage in this area is about 7,000 miles and should even half this distance of electric lines be built to serve those who are now without, it would require the building of ten times as much line per person as has been required in the case of service already being rendered. This view of the situation presents rather a discouraging outlook, but is. perhaps, not so hopeless as it might appear. A recent survey of farms on which a considerable amount of elec- tric energy is demonstrated that it is entirely possible for the farmer who is doing any considerable amount of busi- ness, to make a profitable use of a large amount of electric energy, ln fact, so much is required that the building of lines in at least the more thickly settled portions of our rural territory is justified. Thus it will be seen that in Maine. as elsewhere, earnest consideration is be- ing given to the problems involved in the extension of electric service to rural communities. Not only is con- sideration being given to ways of as- sisting the farmer to develop means of electric current, but the possibili- ties of reducing the cost of construct- ing and operating these lines is being carefully considered. In tliis connection it has been sug- gested that inasmuch as interest charges and taxes are large items in the cost of service, some way might be found, through legislative action. to relieve from taxation such lines as are used entirely for the distribution of current to the rural sections. As to interest. the suggestion has been made that low interest-bearing bonds might be issued to be purchased by those in- terested in the extension of these lines. This would reduce materially-the in- terest charge and still return tothe holder a rate equal to that.paid on savings deposits. These two items, to- gether with such other economies as might be effected in individual cases, should enable a substantial reduction to be made on the present costs. It would appear, then, that public service companies should begiven en- couragement and reasonable opportu- nity to develop and market in the most economical and eflicient manner possi- ble our great water power resources: that, with these opportunities granted, the power companies should make every effort to supply, wherever pos- sible, the service which will contribute so much toward the convenience and