ARAPUNI REPAIRS

Hokitika Guardian, 8 September 1931, Page 6

ARAPUNI REPAIRS

GOOD PROGRESS MADE WITH WORK. RUNNING NEXT YEAR. It is confidently expected by the | Public Works Department that the , Arapuni hydro-electric, station will be ! running under load before the middle of next year, according to a statement by the Minister of Public "Works, Hon. W. B. Taverner. He said the repair work was proceeding very satisfactorily,s being, in fact, somewhat ahead of ' schedule. | “Work is being energetically carried out on practically all of the jobs under the repair scheme, but activities have ' of late been somewhat restricted on account of inclement weather,” tile Min ister said. “Every effort Has, however, been made to maintain three shifts on the work at the headrace preparatory to the placing of the impervious lining, and on the excavation work at the falls and the overflow channel, these being the thee© major items of the repair work. ,“Tlie number of men employed has. of late, been somewhat reduced, the reduction being largely due to the fact that the preparatory work in the headrace is well advanced and somewhat ahead of the lining work. Contracts somewhat in excess of £50.000 have been let for the manufacture of concrete paving slabs, for bituminous lining and for steel sheeting required in connection with the headrace lining. ,

“One of' the most interesting stages of the work is the reshaping of the waterfall in such a manner as will more efficiently control the water. Tlie excavation for this purpose lias entailed .heavy and difficult work, lint it has now been satisfactorily completed, and the placing of the reinforced concrete on the fall will shortly he in hand.”