HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 October 1921, Page 5

HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER.

NEW PLYMOUTH WORKS. NEW CONTRACTS. The following reference to the hydroelectric extension work at Mangorei is contained 'in the monthly report to be submitted to the New Plymouth Borough Council on Monday evening by Mr. F. T. Bellringer (general manager):— Negotiations with Messrs. W. A. Marsh and H. King for the land and easements required from them respectively werfe completed by the electric light committee during the month and the legal formalities are now being completed. Considerable inconvenience was caused in the past owing to the works not being connected with the telephone system, the .Post and Telegraph Department being unable to make the connection owing to shortage of material. This has now been overcome and the works connected up.

No. 5 contract, being for the construction of a pipe line over the Mangamahoe stream to connect the two portions of the temporary race, was let by the council to the lowest tenderers, the Dunedin Engineering and Steel Company, the price being £2089. The amount alloted in the estimates for this work was £2520. Tenders for contract No. 4, sluice gates, screens and valves, elose on November 30 next. There have been most satisfactory enquiries for plqns and specifications and there will probably be good competition. Mr. E. D. Ansford’s lease of the grazing rights of the hydroelectric lands expires on the 16th instant, and it will be necessary to take steps to keep down the noxious weeds until such time as the surplus land is disposed of. It may be possible to let the grazing rights, but this will be difficult unless the council is prepared to let for a definite period of from at least IS months to two rear*.