THAMES POWER BOARD

Hokitika Guardian, 6 September 1929, Page 7

THAMES POWER BOARD

ARAPUNI DEVELOPMENTS DISCUSSED.

/By Telegraph—Per Press Association.!

TE AROHA. September 5,

Tlie recent developments at Avapuni were discussed at a meeting of the Thames Valley Power Board. The Chairman, Mr Strange, stated it had been estimated eight years should elapse before the falls could creep hack to the spillway endangering the works at the head of the penstock tunnels and' no safety measures, beyond a steel lining of portion of the diversion tunnel to give greater security should it be necessary to -empty the dam, were adopted. Had a start been made with driving additional penstock tunnels when the danger from the rapid erosion at the falls first became apparent and the water to the full capacity sent through the tunnels, the Department would not be faced with such serious difficulties. It will he reasonable to assume that the Departmental heads in Wellington were appraised of the danger by the engineer in charge of the works and were responsible for the failure to take adequate safety measures. Air Strange said the present indications were the dam would have to be emptied and the}' would have to revert to the conditions before Arapuni was linked up till the falls were concreted.

On the motion of Air 11. Al. Corbett it was decided to write to the Department asking that the Board be informed of the reason for the failure to take the only course of action, which could have ensured safety, and who was responsible for the inaction. /'"~ ■ TEST TO BE AIADE. PROTECTIVE WORKS TO FOLLOW. HAAIILTON, September 5. Reporting on a visit by the Auckland Power Board to the Arapuni Hydroelectric Works, the “Waikato Times” states: Although interruptions, varying in extent, in the power supplied are to be expected, as the result of operations in connection with the spillway, they are not expected to be very serious. It is gratifying to learn that the erosion, taking place below the spillway has ceased, none having taken place since August 26th. The engineering staff gives an assurance that the situation is well in hand, stating there is no fear for the safety of the spillway. Extensive tests will be made during the next few days in regard to the diversion of water. Upon these tests will depend the nature of the protective works to be undertaken.