THE HUNUA FALLS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 3, Issue 161, 13 January 1914, Page 1

THE HUNUA FALLS.

j Their Electrical Value. A copy of a report by Mr E. J. t'em, electrical engineer, was forwarded to the last meeting of the Franklin County Council dealing with the project for harnessing the rlunua Falls for electrical purposes. It was estimated that on December Ist there were between CBO and 800 horse power available at the Falls. It would be impossible to arrive at the minimum fluw without taking measurements over a lei.etby period. The reading of Mr Millar, of the Public Works Department, of 340 hotse power might be taken as a fairly correct indication of the

minimum winter flow. The minimum winter flow would, of course, be very much in excees of the minimum summer flow. Mr Fenn thought it wise to assume that in very dry weattier the minimum continuous How might drop to \hs equivalent of 100 horse power. He thought that would be quite a safe figure. The total power required during

' the day in an electric scheme rarely exceeded the equivalent, of the maximum power for one-third of the day. During nine months of the year a continuous flow of 300 horse power could be depended on, or with a dam that would back up the stream 900 horse power effective. With a small dam 1140 units per day could be generated, with a large dam 1520 units. (One unit will light cne 50 candle power lamp for 16J hours). The Falls could be easily developed. There were excellent sights for both the dam and the power house. No part of the work 3 would be liable to damage by floods.

The estimated capital expenditure was £33.500, including hydraulic works and the larger dam, power house and machinery, 10 miles high tension lines from power house to Papakura and on to Manurewa and Papatcetoe, 10 additional miles high tension lines as required, with brancn lines, distributing lines, transformers, buildings, service connections and meters for 500 customers, engineering and contingencies. No allowance was made for the purchase of land.

Probably from UOOO to 10,000 lamps of 50 candle-power each, and from 400 and 600 horse-power in motors could be served from this proposed scheme. About two-thirds of this number would furnish sufficient revenue to meet all charges. The estimated receipts ' were .£6137 and the estimated expenses £5420, leaving a net profit ot £717 per annum. Theie was an ample margin to allow of a lower charge tn users of large motors and lor public lighting. The estimated charge was 3d per unit. The report added: "A smaller scheme might be adopted than the oue outlined. A plant only capable of dealing with the supply upon which the revenue has been calculated would effect a saving in capital expenditure of about £BOOO, reducing tha interest charges. The decision as to whether the larger or smaller scheme be adopted should, however, be withheld until it has been ascertained what districts will join iu the undertaking. It muHt not be forgotten that the larger the scheme the greater the ultimate economy." Mr Fenn strongly recommended that a measuring weir be built across the river so as to enable the flow of the river during the coming summer months to be accurately recorded.

The ' figures given were only approximate and surveys would be necessary to confirm them.