HYDRO ELECTRIC POWER

Hokitika Guardian, 18 February 1929, Page 5

HYDRO ELECTRIC POWER

WAI KAREMOANA STARTS. (By Telegraph—Press Association). GISBORNE, February 18. Current from Waikaremoana. hydroelectric power station is now being used throughout a large portion of the North Island. Yesterday practically every district between Wairoa and Wellington was being served while to-day it is expected Gisborne will be connected with the new station.

In making a statement to this effect, The Minister of Public Works (Air E. A. Ransom) who, in company with tho Enginoer-in-Cbief (Mr Eurkert) made an examination of the scheme yesterday, expressed gratification that Maikaremoa.ua. had commenced to function some months ahead of schedule, thereby considerably relieving the heavy demand upon Mangahao and being able to overcome a serious difficulty which had occurred at Gisborne through a breakdown of the local plant. Yesterday Waikaremoana was developing 16,000 kilowatts, taking practically the whole load from Mangahao, thus making possible the conservation of the water supply there. Although it. will not be possible to relieve Mangaliao continuously, Waikaremoana "in he utilised now on for reducing t ie peak load on the southern station, thus removing -any anxiety which formerly existed. Steady progress is being made with the installation of tho second generator at Waikaremoana and it is anticipated this will be in operation within the next two or three months, thereby providing more than ample current for all immediate requirements.