WESTLAND POWER DEVELOPMENTS

Hokitika Guardian, 21 May 1927, Page 2

WESTLAND POWER DEVELOPMENTS

Through the courtesy of Air J. S. Langford, engineer of the Westland Rower Company now being formed, the following particulars in regard to the project of power for North A\ estlnnd have been gleaned. The power is to derived in the main from the AVaimea and Kuinara watei races and reservoirs.

The AVaimea water race system crosses the Kuinara (or Kawhaka) supply race system at an elevation of approximately 120 feet, and as it is necessary t,o divert the AA’aimea system into the lower system, it is proposed to instal an auxiliary power station of approximately 300 k.w. capacity on the existing cast iron pipe line, and by the construction of a short tail race lead the water so used into reservoir No 2, and so alignment the supply thereto. Reservoirs 1 and 2, together with the short water race and necessary pip? lines, will constitute the system for conserving and conducting the water required for the main power station. This will be situated in a gully at AleKeegan's Flat about 250 feet below the forehay. This main power station will be developed in units of (525, (325, and 1.250 k.w. capacity as required to meet the demand, but it is proposed to first instal the auxiliary power station of 300 k.w. capacity in the AVaimea pipe line to supply the urgent demand and power for construction purposes at the main generating station.

Power will he generated at 100 or G.GOOvolts, 3 phase, 50 cycles, according to the voltage most suitable for the size of unit.

For future development of power it is proposed to utilise the head of approximately 100 icot available through the tail race from the main power station at Ale Keegan’s Mat to the Teremakau river. This is estimated to give approximately 1,500 k.w. additional capacity if required. Arrangements have been made also lor the purchase of the Humphreys Gully water race, system which will yield 1000 k.w.. and is is proposed to connect this to the main transmission system at Humphreys Gully road. Power will he distributed throughout the area by a system of main 33,000 volt transmission lines, having (5,600 volt sub-stations and branches for the purpose of supplying the farming, domestic, sawmilling. Haxmiliiug and mining requirements ol the district.

A supply of power in hulk lip to 1000 k.w. at the standard Government rates for such supply will be available to the Grey Electric Power Board, it required, and this supply would he given under conditions at the Board s houndarv at Teremakau railway bridge. After further consideration of the demand within the AA'estland Board's area, an additional quantity may he made available to the Grey Power Board as it is proposed to develop the whole of the power available as it is needed for various users.