HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 171, 15 April 1921, Page 6

HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER

WAIKAREMOANA AND MANGAHAO.

The Mangahao and Waikarcmoana schemes of hydro-electric power development are commented upon in tho annual report of the Central Progress League. The report states: "Our city and district are interested mostly in the development of the Mangabao power, which has been promised in about two and a half years from date. But the present rate of progress does not warrant so optimistic a view. Very steady progress,: without hold-up of any sort, will have to be made to produce power in three years from date. The position to-day is: The roads have been constructed, sites cleared, buildings and camps erected, sawmills started, sites of dams prepared, and the machinery, except the generator, placed in position to supply compressed air to drive No. 1 tunnel, and tenders are being called for the labour to pierce No. 2 tunnel. There are two tunnels, of one mile and 107 chains in length respectively, to pierce, and two dams, both 80ft. high above water and between 250 and 300 ft. in length. ’ “Waikaremoana: After visiting this wonderful lake, and seeing how nature has provided for the development of its great power, one is left to wonder why former Governments and the people have neglected its development so long. The Government are developing 1000 h.p. immediately—soo for Wairoa and district and 500 for further development work at Waikaremoana. Tn view of the present unemployment, which is likely to become more acute, your executive suggest that al! available labour which can be absorbed in developing tho whole of the 100,000 h-P- and its reticulation should be employed at the earliest possible moment.”