GEAR FOR WAITAKI

Press, Volume C, Issue 29513, 13 May 1961, Page 12

GEAR FOR WAITAKI

Facilities At Timaru

(From Our Own Reporter) WELLINGTON, May 12. The New Zealand Electricity Department will spend nearly £140,000 in Timaru to provide facilities for receiv. ing and storing heavy electrical gear needed for Benmore and subsequent hydroelectric undertakings in the Waitaki river basin. The main facilities will consist of a transit store with a floor area of 15,000 square feet, a travelling crane which will lift 110 tons, railway sidings and access roading. It is expected that these facilities will handle equipment worth many millions of pounds during the 10 to 15. year period probably needed for full development of the Waitaki. “A detailed study of transport problems has shown that Timaru is the best port for the needs of the department.” said the Minister of Electricity (Mr Goosman) this afternoon. "Although it is hoped that transformers for Benmore will not weigh more than 80 tons when stripped for shipping, they could be i heavier. The Electricity Department will be prepared to deal with single packages weighing up to 110 tons.” Board's Work He said the Timaru Harbour Board had been most co-operative in helping the department solve the problems associated with dealing with these unusually heavy and very valuable items. It had already strengthened part of a new wharf extension to cope with expected loads, and had made available a site near the wharf. Approximately two acres would be leased for the pur. pose, and the Harbour Board would have the right to buy the building at valuation when the department had finished with it

The building will be of steel frame construction, with concrete walls up to 9ft. above which it will be clad with a corrosion resistant sheathing yet to be decided upon. Loads above 10 tons will be stored there, and lighter packages will go direct to the construction site.