IMPOSING POWER SCHEME.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1993, 25 February 1914, Page 8

IMPOSING POWER SCHEME.

TO HARNESS WAIRUA FALLS.

By Telegraph.—Special Correspondent.) Auckland, February 24. Almost all the preliminary work has been completed in connection with the big scheme of the Dominoin Portland Cement Company to harness the Wairua Falls for the production of electric power and tho establishment of a modern cement mill at Tikorangi, on the shore of Whangarei Harbour. The project involves a capital expenditure of about £170,000, and tho company's plans provide for tho commencement of operations in' a little more than a year, with an initial annual output of 60,000 tons.' " ■' Tho main features of the undertaking are the method by which the power is to be conducted to the generating plant, the/power station with its turbines and dynamos, a transmission line IG{ miles long that will convey the transformed power to and the big mill in which the power will be expended in the manufacture of cement. There are important accessories to ; tho scheme, one being' the provision .of electricity for the Borough of Whangarei, and the 1 other its large possibilities in supplying power for agricultural and domestic purposes throughout the district covered oy the company's license. The dimensions of the canal and the pipe-line by which a great, body of water is to bo borrowed from the river to drive the turbines indicate the general magnitude of the scheme. A big.ditch, just over 7200 ft. in length, will be cut from the river above the fajls, with' an average dept® of Bft. or 9ft., and a surface width of approximately 20ft. The Wairua Falls are only 48ft. high, but by means of this water race a stream will b'o diverted down tho river, and a direct fall of 140 ft. obtained, giving amphi power. Two 1500-horse-power turbines will be installed, and tenders-for these and for the ; generating plant and hydraulic equipment have been invited in New Zealand, and are noiv being invited in England, the United States, and Australia. Tenders Have been accepted for the materials and construction of the main transmission line. It will comprise two circuits, each of three wires, carried on iron poles. Alternative tenders for copper and aluminium cables were invited, the company's requirements being about 136 miles of cable. Only three tender's were entered for alumin-. ium cables, tho prices beingßichardson and M'Cabe, £2825; National Electric Engineering Company,,' £2813; . A. and T. Burt, £2(359. The company has accented the tender of A. and x. Burt.