CONSERVATION OF FUNDS War-Surplus Iron In Hydro Project

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31330, 29 March 1967, Page 3

CONSERVATION OF FUNDS War-Surplus Iron In Hydro Project

(New Zealand Press Association)

ROTORUA, March 28.

War-surplus material from the United States, lying in open storage in Wellington for more than 20 years, is now being used for the first time as the Government’s overseas spending cuts begin to affect the Tongariro power development schemes.

Other measures to save overseas funds have been engaging stores officers at the project in major survey exercises on substitution for overseas material and longer use of big equipment.

The war surplus being used at Turangi comprises about 2000 sheets—or 20 tons—of flat galvanised iron sheeting, which had been stored outside since the Second World War. Although it was not stacked for long-term storage, the iron is in good condition. A machine made at Turangi is now curving the iron for use on a former wartime United States hangarnow being reconstructed as a huge workshop. The Ministry of Works chief stores officer at Turangi, Mr I. Stenhouse, estimates the use of the wartime iron and steel portals has saved at least £4OOO in overseas funds.

“This is just one of the measures we have taken to conserve overseas funds,” he said. The total residue of equipment and stores used on the Matahina hydro-electric dam project was assessed for possible use at Tongariro. Equipment would normally have been declared surplus and offered for sale after being “50 per cent worn out” but at present many machines arriving at Turangi from other projects have a shorter life. Heavy vehicles used at Otematata and Temahoe have gone to Turangi. Some Euclid dump-trucks being used at Turangi are on their fourth hydro scheme.