Mangahao Hydro-Electric Scheme.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 July 1921, Page 1

Mangahao Hydro-Electric Scheme.

activities of public works

WELLINGTON, July 5

Local journalists who have returned from the hydro-electric works at Maniraluio, near Shannon, report, that excellent progress is being made there b y the Public Works Department. This work has been undertaken vo supply Wellington and various localities in the provincial district with electricity. The locality at present is a hive of industry. and there seems a likelihood that the Government, will be able to supply power before the ; itv is ready to receive it. The Hon. G. J. Coates, Minister of Public Works, is earning golden opinions for the energy he has infused into ibis very important undertaking. Engineers, tunnellers, electricians, blacksmiths, and many others arc working industriously. The workmen s camps are excellent. A steam plant- ol 305 horse-power provides the necessary power for present operations, both electricity and compressed air being in use. One of the tunnels is through loose country, necessitating concreting. The other tunnel is going through rode so hard that even timbering is unnecessary. The spoil from the tunnel is being scooped up by means of an automatic shovel, and generally. Mr Eurkert and his officers are adopting up-to-date methods.

Quarters have been provided for the married men, and the Y.M.O.A. runs a picture show every evening and even assist in the education of the workmen’s children. The men have no grounds for complaint, and seem well satisfied. A Government canteen enables the workmen to proceure stores at a reasonable price. About 2500 tons of material have to be shifted from the level of the power-house up a precipitous slope to tho level of the surge chamber, and to do this, a cable tramway worked hv a 100 h.p. electric motor will bn constructed. Trucks carrying five tons each will he running on the mountain-side within two months. Tenders arc now being invited for the power-house machinery.