GIANT WAIKAREMOANA.

Shannon News, 19 February 1929, Page 2

GIANT WAIKAREMOANA.

SUPPLIES GREAT PART OF NORTH ISLAND WITH . POWER. TAKES WHOLE LOAD FROM MANGAHAO. Current from the Waikaremoana hy-dro-electric power station is now being used throughout a large portion of the North Island. Yesterday practically every district between Wairoa and Wellington was being served, while today it is expected that Gisborne will be connected with the new station. In making a statement to this effect, the Minister for Public Works, the\ Hon. E. A. Ransom, who in company with the Engineer-in-Cliief, Mr Fur■kert, made an examination of the works yesterday, expressed gratification that Waikaremoana had commenced to function some month A ahead'of schedule, thereby considerably relieving the heavy demand upon Mangahao and being able to overcome the serious difficulty which, occurred in Gisborne through the breakdown of tlfcs local plant. Yesterday Waikaremoana was developing 16,000 kilowatts, taking practically the whole load from Mangahao, and thus making possible the conservation of water supply there. Although it will not be possible to relieve Mangahao continuously, Waikaremoana will be utilised from now on for reducing the pealk load on the. southern station, thus removing any anxiety which formerly existed. Steady progress is being made with the installation of a second generator at Waikaremoana and it is anticipated that this will be in operation within the next two or three months, thereby providing more than ample current for all immediate requirements.