BIG DAMS NEARING COMPLETION.

Shannon News, 4 July 1924, Page 3

BIG DAMS NEARING COMPLETION.

RAPID PROGRESS AT CLEARING ARAPETI VALLEY. Work in connection AVitlx the- compietion of the Ma'ngahuo .and Arapeti danis is now progressing rapidly. Mangahuo is at present the largest .ol' the three camps, giving employment to "250 men, and every effort is being made to‘ have the construction ol the dam completed at an early date. The ends of the wall ol the darn are completed up to the required height, 80 feet, and work is now confined to the centre portion of the dam, through which'the river still flows through an opening. About another 15 feet will complete its height. The river will shortly be diverted through the bypass when the floor of the dam will be concreted. The retaining wall, which, extends from the wings, is completed. A number of perforations ha,ve been made in the wall to enable the water to drain itself through' so as to protect, the wall itself from .scouring from the effects of the river. The huge sluice gates are now on the site and ready to be placed in position. The, dam will be 430 feet- long and 80 feet deep. ;

A survey of the probable road over Millar’s Pass is now being made, which will be a continuation of the road--that leads to Arapeti to reach the second concrete >dam at Mangaliao. At Arapeti the dam is nearly completed and should he ready next month. A start is to he made shortly in clearing the basin.' It is the intention to burn’ the huts after which the whole place will be flooded.- The control shaft valve, which will * be worked by electric- power, is about three chains in the tunnel leading to: Mangaore. At the mouth of the tunnel a portal, which will rise up about, 10ft above the tunnel, is being erected. This is being constructed of tim r her and concrete. In the portal large grids in concrete frames will be placed to prevent debris going through the funnel to the surge- chamber; As to when the work will be com-

pletpd and juice available opinions differ. In many quarters it is held that- it, wall not be ready before November.