THE HYDRO WORKS.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 December 1922, Page 4

THE HYDRO WORKS.

REPORT ON PROGRESS. REASONS FOR THE DELAY REPLY TO BOROUGH COUNCIL. The... opinion that the rate of progress' - being made at the New Plymouth hydro-electric works was disappointing was expressed at a recent meeting of the Borough Council, and at last night’s meeting a reply to this was made in a. report received from the engineers (Messrs. Blair Mason, and Owen). The report stated: "The terms of tne council’s resolution leaves us in some doubt as to whether the expressed disappointment refers to the progress made in completing the works now in hand and carried out by the council under day labor, or if it generally refers to the period that had elapsed since the commencement of the works. The Press report of the counci Fa meeting at which this matter was discussed gives us the impression that the, councillors are dissatisfied generally with the progress of the whole of the works. In connection with this matter we beg to bring under your notice the causes which are attributable to the delays that have taken place, and for which we and the resident engineer are in no wav responsible. “In the first place the No. 1 tunnel, carried out under contract, was not completed within contract tipi?, and although there was a penalty clause, an extra rate was made to the contractor to push on the work without any reference to us. At the same time the resident engineer reported that the work could be completed in less time and at a lower cost than offered the contractor. With reference to the works carried out by day labor under Mr. Fearless, resident engineer, it will be remembered that, following a visit of the chief Government electrical engineer and his suggestion to provide larger headworks, wu were instructed by the council in April, 1921, to report on the matter. Our advice was that a survey of the adjoining watersheds should be made, with which information we would then be able to arrive at a decision. From April on the council debated the matter of increasing the capacity of the headworks, and not till November. 1921, did we receive the final decision, which was to increase the diameter of the tunnel and surge chamber. At this date the survey, which we considered necessary to set aside all doubts as to the additional water supply, had not been commenced, and up to the present wo have not been advised of the results obtained from the surveys. During this period of delay the work was more or less held back, and a considerable amount of money was unprofitably expended. “Ar die size of the tunnel determines the dimensions of the surge and intake chambers, etc., it was not until the above matters were settled that we could proceed with the new designs and specifications and call tenders for th® valves, gates, etc. On more than one occasion we drew the council’s attention to these facts, especially pointing out that, the ironwork valvea, etc., had to be obtained from England, and would take some months to deliver. Another matter which considerably interfered with the progress of the works was the delays, that took place in acquiring the lands and obtaining the rights of access. For approximately ten months negotiations were in progress, and it waa not until September. 1921. that arrangements were finally completed. This delay would have bean obviated and the land acquired at a much less cost than finallv paid, if it hml been taken under the Public Works Act, aa advised in November. 1920.

“We need hardly point out that the cumulative effect of the long consideration given by the council to the matters referred to above has considerably extended the time of completion of the works, which in our own interests we are anxious to obviate, as it entails more labor and expense than if the works are brought to an early completion. Had the been available early in 1921 the tunnel would have been completed by the end of that year. “In conclusion, we desire tn say that since November. 1921. when the council finally derided what the dimensions of the tunnel should be, and purchased the necessary lands, the progress has in every way satisfied us. The resident engineer. Mr. Fearless, acting for the council, is, in his methods of carrying out the works and management, securing a high standard in quality of workmanship and economy in labor, combined with rapid progress. We cannot too highly commend his services to the council, and trust that it will recognise ho is doing his utmost, as we are, to complete the works as early as possible.”

“The engineers must have been reading the morning paper,” was the comment offered by one councillor after the report had been read. “It is very interesting to compare that report with the article that appeared in the morning paper.” commented the Mayor (Mr. F. E. Wilson). The report was received. “Are. you still satisfied, your Worship?” queried Cr. J. Brown, but the Mayor’s reply was inaudible, and the council passed on to the next business.