TRIP TO MANGAHAO.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1818, 25 April 1918, Page 3

TRIP TO MANGAHAO.

HYDRO-ELECTRIC HEADWORKS.

A very interesting and instructive visit was pa|d to the proposed source of water supply for the Maugaha o hydro-electric power works 1 yesterday. The delegates and visitors attending numbered over 70, representing the whole of the West Cost of the North Island from Wanganui to Wellington. Among those present were Messrs Feild and Wright, M’s.P., Mackay (Mayor of Wanganui), J. A. Nash (Mayor of Palmerston N.), Wilson (Mayor of Marton), Crs. Thompson and Fitzgerald (representing Wellington City Council), J. Chrystall (Foxtfp Borough Council), W. Murdoch and councillors (Shannon Borough Council), Byron Brown (Otaki Town Board)', H. Hunt and J. Glover (Rongotea Town Board), J. Penny (Manawatu County Council), T. B. Williams (President of Wanganui Harbour Board), P. Ilennessy (Poxton Harbour Board), Evans (Wellington Chamber of Commerce), and E. Crahhe (Palmerston Chandler of Commerce). The party united about 8.30 a.m., in Shannon, and commenced the journey under ideal weather conditions. The Shannon folk had kindly provided 58 horses, saddled and ready for action, which made quite an imposing spectacle in the main street. The first four miles of the trip Was easy going, when “Honeymoon Cottage” was reached at the foot of the range, near the proposed site of the power house. From this point the ascent is rapid for a distance of two miles, where an altitude of 1,000 feet above sea level is gained. This is the only point on the road where an uninterrupted view of the fertile plains of the Manawatu may be obtained. Dotted over the landscape one sees many smiling homesteads, and in the distance “good old Foxton,” the heads, and the shining silver sea,.

About 10.30 the party camped on the banks of the Tokomaru stream for morning lunch, kindly provided by members of the Palmerston N. Chamber of Commerce. All Avcre hungry, and attacked the viands with great gusto in the rough and ready style. It is wonderful how easily the trappings of civilisation may be dispensed with in the dissection of a cold roast fowl. After lunch Mr Nash made a brief speech, in which he stated that Mr A. Seifert »was present, atid would answer any questions regarding the proposed scheme. Mr Seifert explained that it was intended that a dam should be constructed at this site, which would give a depth of water of 170 feet. This will cover about 10 acres of the valley. The bed of the dam is 1,108 feet above sea level. To feed this dam it is proposed to construct a tunnel on the eastern slope of the valley through the range , Bft. by Bft., three-quarters of a mile in length, to join with the head waters of the Mangahao stream. It is also proposed to construct a similar tunnel on the western slope, half a mile in length, to join with the power house. The power house will be erected at a point 250 feet above sea level. This will give a fall of water from the dam of 858 feet, which, with the normal flow of the stream and reserve supply, will develop 25,000 horse-power. ■ The journey was resumed to visit the Mangahao. Most of this journey was done on foot, owing to the rough and difficult path through virgin forest. There, unspoiled by the hand of man, Nature revals herself in wondrous beauty; majestic pungas, the rich profusion of the undergrowth, particularly maidenhair and kidney ferns, the halfforgotten friends of other years.) may be seen.

After climbing to an altitude of 1,000 feet (500 feet above camp site), the party descended nearly the same distance by a Avinding path to the bed of the Mangahao stream. .This stream takes its rise at a point about due oast of Otaki, and flows north along the eastern slope of the Tararna range. The proposed site of the dam is therefore about 50 miles from the source of the stream. From this site the Mangahao (lows north-east, joining (he Mangaitainoka, Avhich unites with the Manawatu 35 miles distant. The dam to he constructed on the Mangahao will he about (he same depth as the. one previously .mentioned, and connected by a tunnel. The return journey Avas completed without'mishap, the parly arriving at the foot of the range at 3 p.m'. The Shannon ladies met there, and kindly provided afternoon tea, Avhich Avas much appreciated. Messrs Wright and Field, M’s.P., then addressed the gathering, emphasising the importance of hydt'o-clec-tric power to develop the resources of the Dominion, and promising to do all in their power to further the Mangahao scheme. Mr Crabbo (Palmerston Chamber of Commerce) then moved to the folJoAving effect: “That the Government authorise the Mangahao hydro-electric scheme tp be proceeded with, and preliminary Avork in connection therewith to be commenced as soon as possible.” This was seconded by Mr Evans (Wellington Chamber of Commerce). Other speakers to the motion Avere: Cfs Fitzgerald (Wellington), Avho pointed out the importance of the scheme in conserving our coal supplies, Mr Maekay (Wangappi), Hunt (Rongoteg j, Gunning (ghnnn o n)j an# TPiaop (Mayor of Marion), who that owing to the scarcity of labour Ave oughf 'l° take the German dropes from Boasted inland and §et them at the Avork, The motion was put act] carried unanimously. A vote of

thanks to the ladies and all who had assisted to make the visit a success, proposed by Mr Nash, ami carried, completed the proceedings.