WORK AT ARAPUNI

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 234, 24 May 1932, Page 5

WORK AT ARAPUNI

("Ffost?s" Special j Commissioner)

MR. COATES DESCRIBES RESULTS AS BEYOND EXPECTATIONS DEPARTMENT FULLY SATISFIED

WELLINGTON, Monday. "The remedial measures earried out by the Public Works Department to make the Arapuni power scheme safe for further power development have turned out suecessfully and beyond all expectations," according to a statement by the Minister of Public Works, the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, in reply to a question this evening. - The main object of the work, which cost about half a million pounds, was to seal the cracks which threatened the security of the foundations; to waterproof the headrace and provide a draining scheme underneath; to reinforce the ground around the penstock intake structure; to impose a waterproof layer on thq rock below the spillway; to stop certain leaks in the foundations at the main dam, and to strengthen the country adjacent to the dam. Mr. Coates said that as a result of these corrective steps, the trouble whiqh had necessitated the report of Professor Hornell had disappeared. Leakages in the main dam had been reduced 85 per cent. to 90 per cent., and to all intents and purposes the ground was thoroughly dry, and there were now no leaks in the spillway, He described the completed work as a splendid job. Commenting on recent tests by a water diviner which it was declared revealed the presence of large quantities of water underground, Mr. Coates said that the department was satisfied that there was no cause for anxiety, and added that the water had been located where the drains had been put in. The Minister said that as a result of the vibration which developed recently in No. 1 turbine,' it was not working at present pending closer investigation.