HYDRO-ELECTRIC WORKS.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 April 1921, Page 7

HYDRO-ELECTRIC WORKS.

LAST MONTH’S OPERATIONS. Mr. R. L. Pearless, engineer in charge of the New Plymouth hydro-electric extensions, reported to last night’s meeting of the borough council as follows: — Water Races.—No. 2 was completed to junction with pipe line on March 24th. To date approximately 8900 cub. yds. have been excavated and removed. The cross-section of portion now being done is considerably larger than that of No. 2 race, as a good deal of trimming, etc., remains to be done it is difficult to give more than an approximate estimates Expenditure on this work for the jnonth was £347, which I am confident shows a slight decrease in cost per yard. The v. ;rk of fencing off the completed portions of race is being done with material obtained in borough property. Buildings.—Two huts, dining room and kitchen are now ready, and 'will be occupied during the coming week. Hydraulic ram was installed to supplywater to dwellings etc. A combined blacksmith and carpenters’ workshop has also been erected. This latter will enable us to turn out practically all our ordinary plant, in addition to the keeping of all tools, etc., required for tunnelling. Tramline.—Formation done during the month, 31 chains only. This brought us to a point next ; to private properry beyond which I am unable to go at present. A siding was also formed into “A” heading of tunnel. Gang employed on this work was reduced during the month, those remaining being employed in preparing sleepers, and doing certain necessary works in readiness for laying track. The rails for this work are now expected to arrive towards end of next week.

Tunnel.—This work, which has been held up pending the arrival of certain materials, is now being proceeded with. Track has been laid into “A” heading, and preparatory work in connection with drainage and haulage out of tunnel is being done. Given fine weather a few days should see the commencement of work here, full shifts being maintained as soon as lighting; arrangements are finished. At commencement of No. 1 race, a temporary culvert has been put in, top soil removed over necessary area for turning wall, and a tunnel, including a small portion of open * cut driven for a distance of 147 feet. Work remaining to be done here includes concrete curb and cone for turning wall, practically no further tunnelling remaining to be done. Total cost of work done at this point to date £l'39 5s 2d. General.—The number of employees has had to be reduced, and will need to remain so until we are able to proceed with work at various other points. Total number employed at date 39. Contract No. 1. —Heading has now been driven to a total distance of 1330 feet, with concrete lining completed to 1263 feet. This leaves approximately 460 feet yet to be driven and 530 feet to be lined. Preparatory work is now being carried on at intake to enable sluice gates, etc., to be fixed in position. The material through which this tunnel is now passing is good, a! few boulders only being met with. Total drive for past week 31. feet. Number of employees 9, working two shifts.