RAIN COMES AGAIN.

Shannon News, 21 February 1928, Page 2

RAIN COMES AGAIN.

SLIGHT BENEFIT TO MANGAHAO/

The third visitation of rain in the Levin district since the beginning of the year occurred yesterday. Although seven weeks have gone, the amount of moisture that has fallen will probably not amount to an inch, so there has not yet been any benefit of a lasting character,- the main effect of the showers being to refresh drooping plants. The conditions continue to be sultry, but an increase of humidity is evident, and more rain cannot be far

away. - The Tkig'neer-in-Charge of the Mangahao hydro-electric works, Mr I. R. Robinson, when interviewed by a representative cf the Chronicle this morning stated that the amount, of rain registered there for yesterday was 55 points, which was hardly enough to make any material difference to the water storage. The actual --position was that, during the week-end, tlie water in the dams, which would have risen nine inches owing to the Sundaycessation of industries, had gone up to the extent of I foot 9 inches. This was a net gain of one foot, and it would be of advantage if augmented by further rain.

On Saturday the position at Mangahao was the same-as it had.been for the previous five weeks. At the present time Mangahao is supplying between 2000 and 3000 k.w., while the current being turned' back is 10,000 k.w. The following plants/-are feeding into the parallel with Mangahao, and thus helping to relieve the load: Three plants, at Wellington, Gear Meat. Works, Mnngaore Power House, Feilding, Palmerston North, Wanganui, Yvairarapa Hydro, Napier, Hastings, and the Tomoana Meat Works.

In addition, the following plants which are not on the parallel, and therefore cannot feed into the power lines, are helping their own local consumption: Wellington Meat Export Works, Longburn Freezing Works, Waipukurau, Central Hawke’s Bay Power Board, Whakatu Freezing Works, and the Pakipaki Freezing Works. At the present moment the dams regain their level every 24 hours. During the night Mangahao. shuts down and the dams are thus.able to regain their level. The position is still very serious and it is absolutely essential that Hie strictest economy be observed in Hie use of power.