ELECTRICAL ENERGY.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 86, 12 April 1927, Page 18

ELECTRICAL ENERGY.

ARAPUNI SUPPLY.

AVAILABLE AT END OF 192-S

POWER BOAFvD XOT SATISFIED,

''It does not make very good reading," remarked the chairman of the Auckland Electric Power Board (Mr. W. J. Holdsworth) at yesterday's meeting when a letter was read from the Minister of Public Works (Hon. K. S. Williams), which referred to the progress being made at Arapuni, and pointed out that a supply of power from the station for Auckland did not look likely before the end of 1925.

The communication stated that, followiiig on investigations at Arapuni it was found that the contractor had evidently under-estimated the difficulties of obtaining a satisfactory coffer-dam between the river and the power-house foundation excavation, and was, as a consequence, very considerably behind on that section of the work. The difficulties being met were not such as would in any way prevent the completion of the station, or necessitate any serious modification of plans. They were, however, such that the contractor had been delayed whilst obtaining the necessary plant and material to meet the position. The Department was urging him to make every effort to push on with this particular section of work, and had provided plant and material to assist. It was regretted, however, that it did not now appear possible that the Government would be able to supply power from the station to meet the board's j requirements before the end of 102 S.

The chairman suggested that the letter be received, and that the board reply to the Minister asking him what provision the (Government was making to supply the Board with extra power they would require after the present winter. Tiy that time something like 4000kw would be required over what the board was getting at the present time. Mr. Kissell had led him to believe that it was possible, by June of next year, to have one set working, and if one pet was concentrated on it would pet the board out of all their troubles. If they were not poing to pet a supply until the end of 1!1"2S. they would want some extra power from somewhere, and it was up to tin , (iovernnient to set about getting that power for them. Mr. 11. T. Coldie: Are we quite safe for the winter? The chairman: Yes. It was the obligation of the (lovernment to make provision for a supply to the board. The plant at Waihi was being overhauled, and they would have riOOOkw available If was up to the (lovernment to state what provision they were making in order that the board's increasing demand for power might be met. Mr. .1. Howe suggested that the board should leave the matter to the Government to puzzle out . Mr. J. Dempsey: If they don't do anything we will have, to do something. The chairman thought the contractor should concentrate on one set and have it going by next winter. Their only hope was to have one unit installed by then. Mr. F. M. Waters urged that a deputation should take the matter up. "Get right on the spot and von will got something earlier." he said. It was agreed to write to the Minister putting all the facts of the board's position lwfore him. and pointing out that ; without additional power they could not continue, through l'.i"2S.