HYDRO-ELECTRICITY

Southland Times, Issue 18855, 22 June 1920, Page 6

HYDRO-ELECTRICITY

PROGRESS OF THE SOUTHLAND SCHEME. Mr A. W. Rodger, chairman of the Southland Electric Power Board, reports that Messrs Hay and Vickermau, who date been appointed to take charge of the Board's construction department, have tor some time past had a strong staff engaged on the detail survey of the beadworks at Monowai, and that plans are being rapidly prepared. The necessary survey information in connection with the transmission has been obtained and the location of the main transmission line has been started. Four contracts have been let in connection with road construction, and it is hoped that this work will be completed so that the transport of the materials, necessary for the headworks construction will begin in the early spring.

A temporary punt is nearly .completed and the sawmill plant will be taken across the Waiau river and put into operation when the punt is in working order. Immediately the sawmill is erected timber will be cut for the bridgc» over the Vv’aiau at Sunnyside, and also for one over Taylors Creek. The sawmill will next be used for cutting timber for the necessary buildings at the beadworks and staves for the pipe fine Arrangements have been made with the Railway Department for siding accommodation at Tuatapcre, and waggon teams are at present engaged carting materials and stores for the pun t, sawmill and contractors. The transport problem is one that has given the Board a very great deal of tonsi deration, and after the fullest investiv.a-C.U-;i and much detail having been gone into, the Board has decidet that the road is the b&-t method from every pond of view, it he.-; yet to be decided, however, as to whether the transport over the road shall be by traction engine, motor lorry or horse waggon. The Board after long and care ml de-bt-era tion decideti to purchase a property in Dee s.reet for the requirements of the Bivud for office accommodation, storage, show room, garage, etc. The members are satisfied that this decision is the best in the interests of the ratepayers, and having regard to the present and future requirements will be found to be most economical and .Tom a business point of view preferable in every way to obtaining unsuitable premises and paying rent. In order that every facility and inducement may be given to the men working for the Board, and for the contractors of the Board, arrangements have been made whereby a store has been established at Sunnysidc, lit) miles from Tuatapere ,frorn which the requirements of the men can be had. Ultimately the store will he removed three miles beyond its present location in Ihe direction of the beadworks, at which point the greatest number oi men will he employed. The Board has decided to make its reports- on the question of the navigation of the Waiau river available to the Southland League, with a recommendation that the League take action to get the Government to utilise the Waiau river from the tourist and other points of view.