NORMANBY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8134, 14 June 1906, Page 2

NORMANBY.

(From l';ur Own Correspondent.)

It is not long since the Hawera County E'ectric Company, Ltd., started operations at the Waingongoro—• near Mr Felix McGuire's lnmestead, adja cent to Normanby. The first act was to obtain permission from the County Council to tunnel under the main road to obtain a better fall at the site of the power house. This obtained, the power-house was erected, and 2l)0-horse-power machinery installed. As usual a number of croakers we.'e loud in their ejaculation-a rotten spec, etc., etc., but to-day a very different aspect presents itself; another 200-horse-power by additional turbines is being installed, and the water-power still available is equal to another 200horse power. Not content with this, the directors, for absolute safety, and

at a cost of £2OOO, liavo let a contract for a dam of solid concrete, about 130 x 30 in the foundation, aiid 26 feet high in some parts, thereby damming the riyer back three-quarters of a milo, aud raising the wator 12 feet above summer level. The work of getting in

the foundations on the solid, and below river level, is not all beer and skittles The men are working night and day shifts, the copper dam is pumped out and lighted by electricity. The estimated weight of the concrete used in

the dam is 1500 tons. Tlic dam will be emptied when required by a specially designed revolving gate, 12 feet by 12 feet, weighing seven tons. The amount )f motor water stored is estimated at abemt 16 million gallons. I noticed m your report to-day of the New Plymouth electric works that by all appearances they would luve to enlarge. If they would take the experience of these works they will arrange for a much larger supply right away. This company have (SI horse I power in motors now working and have applications for immediate installation of power equal to about ;l')-horse power more. One of the users when asked by nie how tho now motor suited, replied, " Beyond all expectations." The power is on or off instantaneously, no waiting, hence a piece of work can be done ivhile waiting to go to the old style of power in motion, and it is much iheaper. Anyone passing the powerhouse would be welcomed by the hands in charge to make an inspection of the machinery and appliances, and those who do pay it a visit will see one of the cleanest, neatest and electrical manufacturing offices in this o .' un\ other Colony. Mr E. Evans is n charge of this department, and Mr Trcthcvick is manager. i Another industry has been started, ] Mr P. Garduer has opened a coal yard, ] which will prove a great convenience. :