HYDRO-ELECTRIC SCHEME

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25935, 15 October 1949, Page 6

HYDRO-ELECTRIC SCHEME

VISITING U.S. POWER EXPERT INSPECTION OF LAKE OUTLETS From Our Own Reporter TIMARU, October 14. Dr. J. L. Savage, the American engineer who is investigating hydroelectric schemes in New Zealand at the invitation of the Government, and senior engineers of the Ministry of Works this week inspected the project at Roxburgh and the lake outlets at Wanaka and Hawea. Dr. oavage also flew to Lake Wakatipu in a Government Gemini to see the Kawarau dam. ' , His comments would have to oe made later in his official report to the Government, said Br. Savage, who regretted that he could not at present give more information concerning his investigations. There was no question that New Zealand had very great possibilities for power cevelopment. The Roxburgh hydro-electric project was a most important one ana with an output of upward of 300.000 kilowatts would by no means be a small one. said Dr. Savage. He had recently paid two visits to China to investigate a scheme on the Yang-tse river which would produce 15,250.000 kilowatts. Dr. Savage motored from Roxburgh to the Hermitage to-day and to-mor-row will inspect hydro-electric and water storage projects at Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki. He will travel by

steamer express for Wellington tomorrow night. The Grand Coulee Dam in Washington, U.S.A., was the biggest American project he had designed, said Dr Savage. The Boulder Dam. which he also designed, had unprecedented foundation problems, but with the help of an excellent staff, these had been overcome.

On leaving New Zealand Dr. Savage will go to Australia and then in turn to Mexico, India. Turkey, and Israel. The New Zealand people, scenery, and hospitality had been marvellous, said Dr. Savage.