D.—l.

Owing to the Napier transformers and 110 kv. switch-gear being in a very chaotic state, the spare 1,500 kv.a. transformer from Mangamaire was transported to Clive Eailway-station. The roads to Napier Substation were so damaged that it was impossible to bring this transformer to the substation site, so it was decided to erect a temporary substation at Waiohiki, across the Tutaekuri River from Taradale. This station was put into commission with 1,500 kv.a. transformer solidly connected to the line and an outdoor type 11 kv. switch cubicle on the L.T. side controlling a three-quarter_ mile temporary line to the 11 kv. switch-gear at the substation. Supply at 11 kv. was then discontinued from Tuai, and both Napier-Tuai lines used to supply power at 110 kv. to the general system. This substation was in operation until 29th March, 1931, when the main transformers were put back into service at Napier after repairs had been carried out to switch-gear, and the transformers had been reconditioned and dried out. The damage done to the system was as follows : — Substations. Waipukurau. —Two post-insulators supporting the 110 kv. leads to the transformers were broken and the battery was badly damaged. Napier.—The low-tension switch-gear and cables, except for a single-core pothead which had punctured, were undamaged. Three transformers were shaken off; their pads and crashed on their sides. The fourth was lifted out of the runway, but remained on the pedestal. Seven out of the eight high-tension bushings and all eight low-tension bushings were broken. Conservator-tanks were buckled, slight damage was done to tins, and all oil-piping extensively damaged. All oil was lost. These transformers have since been reconditioned and are now back in service, no apparent damage having been sustained by the windings. Practically the whole of the isolating-switches and air-break switches were badly damaged, some being ruined. These have since been repaired or replaced by spares. The oil circuit-breakers sustained no damage, except for three broken bushing-caps. The battery inside the building was totally wrecked. The lightning-arresters were badly shaken, but were easily repaired. Most of the bushings on the synchronous condenser switch-gear and auto transformer were broken. These are awaiting new bushings now on order, bat owing to the state of the building the condenser cannot yet be run. The capacitor had two of its supporting insulators and one bushing broken. The building suffered very severely, particularly the workshop section. Several columns and beams were cracked. The temporary end-wall collapsed, and a good portion of the windows were cracked. Of the outbuildings, only the operator's cottage was damaged, the building being badly wrenched, and the chimneys collapsed. Arrangements are being made to repair the building-damage. Gisborne. —At this substation the transformers moved and dragged three insulators off the airbreak switch above, breaking three bushings on the 50 kv. 0.C.8. These have been replaced. The only other trouble experienced was the breaking of the earthenware pipes for returning transformer cooling-water to the well, necessitating water being carted from Gisborne till repairs were effected. Wairoa. The earthquake caused the transformers to* run of! their pads, with consequent damage to three 50 kv. bushings, which have been replaced. An 11 kv. cable was also broken, but no other damage was done. Transmission lines. Waipwkurau-Napier. —No major damage was sustained by the transmission or telephone lines, but cross-a.rms were thrown out of alignment and weights thrown off the insulator-clamps. The telephone-lines were also twisted together in two places. These faults were very quickly remedied, the telephone-line being in service again on the night of the earthquake, and the transmission-line was never rendered unfit for service. Napier-Tuai limes.—Tower 220 on this line collapsed owing to the foundations slipping away, putting this duplicate line completely out of action. A temporary H structure was erected on a piece of fairly solid country, and the line restored on 12th February. Several towers had their foundations badly shaken, cracks having opened up round the footings. These were filled and rammed as soon as possible. A deviation to cut out the broken country round Tower 220 was surveyed, eight spare towers and cable were shipped to site and erected, and the new piece of line connected in for service on 31st May. The telephone-line was also badly shaken, but the damage was principally confined to twisted wires. Reconstruction work was difficult owing to all roads being closed by landslides and slips. On 13th February a severe earthquake shook open the isolating-switches at Waikoau and Kotemaori, cutting off power from Napier. This also dislocated the telephone service again. The isolating-switches at Kotemaori and Waikoau have had jumpers placed across them. Tuai-Gisborne.— No great trouble was experienced on this line, which remained in service until cut out for repairs at Gisborne Substation. Cracks opened up round several poles. These cracks have been filled and rammed. Tuai-Wairoa. —Damage to this line was confined to a few broken binders and insulator-pins, which were very quickly replaced.

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