Harnessing Niagara.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 476, 31 May 1890, Page 3

Harnessing Niagara.

The proposal to harness the immense mechanical power of the Niagara Falls for useful work is, says the ‘Electrician,’ ‘in more definite and practical shape than it has ever been before.’ The plans are complete, and the capital partly subscribed. The intention is to tap the river above the falß by a large main tunnel, with 24 cross tunnels, and 12 raceways, at a cost of about half a million sterling. Much of the power thus obtained will be utilised in driving factories near, and the remainder will be electrically transmitted for lighting and other purposes. Mr Edison, it is said, will be consulting electrician, and the undertaking will have the support of one of the leading financial houses of New York. The water which is diverted from the falls will not detract in any appreciable degree from the huge volume passing ; and, as the manufacturing establishments are to be some distance above the waterfall, the characteristic scenery will not be impaired. The tunnels will discharge the intercepted waters by an additional fall at some distance below the town.