MODEL VILLAGE

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21204, 29 August 1940, Page 6

MODEL VILLAGE

NEW POWER PROJECT FACILITIES AT CROW’S NEST SHORTAGE OF CARPENTERS Conditions comparable with home comforts are being provided for the men engaged on the construction of the new hydro-electric power project at the Crow’s Nest, near Cambridge. A model village, built on the river flat which will eventually be portion of the bed of the vast new lake to be created by the backing-up of the river behind the dam, is taking shape. Progress with the provision of accommodation for the men has been slow, however, owing to the shortage of carpenters. On the right bank, or nortti-east side of the Tanakawa Stream, which flows into the river just above the upper entrance to the proposed diversion tunnel, will be approximately 250 single men’s huts. On the left bank 150 married men’s quarters are being erected. Both these areas will be laid out with metalled roading and water sewage will be laid throughout the village with septic tank treatment. All the hutments will have electricity installed and water will be laid on to all the huts. Fire Protection As a protection against outbreak of fire, water hydrants will be spaced throughout the township. The high banks of the old river bed and adequate plantations of trees provide natural shelter for the town, which will have adequate sunshine. Regular refuse collections will be made as a further service, to ensure the maximum hygienic conditions. From a recreational point of view, the Crow’s Nest village will provide excellent facilities for the residents. Safe bathing will be available to the children in the Tanakawa Stream, while an excellent beach lies on a backwash of the Waikato River near the confluence of the stream and the river. Here adults will have ideal bathing facilities. The entire area of the village is in excellent pasture and abundant space is available for the construction of playing fields. With shorter working hours under present legislation, the men and their families will be able to employ these recreational facilities to the utmost. Messing Facilities For those workmen who are keen on gardening, the soil in the village area will provide abundant crops, for it has been excellent farming pasture for many years. The subsoil is pumice gravel. To feed the single men engaged on the project a large cookhouse has been erected. There is also a spacious bathhouse, with hot showers and drying rooms. A social hall, in which facilities for billiards will be proj vided, will also be erected. A few shops will be allowed in the village. Progress on the building construction at the village has reached the stage where 100 single men’s quarters and 20 married men’s hutments are already erected.