ALMOST FINISHED

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 35, 10 August 1934, Page 14

ALMOST FINISHED

WAITAKI HYDRO. WORK

TRIBUTES TO ENGINEER

(By I'elearapD—l'rcss Association.)

OAMABU, August 0.

In view of. the early completion of the Waitaki clam, about sixty business men of Oamaru —representatives of the Oamaru Borough Council, tile Waitaki County Council, the Oamaru Harbour' Board, the Waitaki Electric Power Board, the Waitaki Hospital Board, tho Oamaru ■Chamber 'of• Commerce, and the Oamaru ' .Rotary Club—paid a visit to the Waitaki hydro-electric works this afternoon, at tho invitation of Mr. R. IL Paekwood, tho engineer in. charge. Work on the dam has progressed this winter to such a stage that it will be only a matter of three or four weeks before tho huge structure is completed. Two small gaps in the crest of the wall remain, and arrangements have been made to complete these nest week. Of eleven temporary sluiceways in the dam, fouri have been sealed with concrete; two are in process of being sealed, leaving five remaining, of which three more will be sealed' during the nest couple of ■ weeks. The remaining two will then be sealed while two permanent sluiceways cope with the present flow of the river. Mr. Paekwood indicated that in the event of flood the remaining five gates could- be lowered in the sluiceways in a hurry, when the clam would function in the generation of electricity, and. the sealing of the remaining sluiceways could be carried out next August when the river returns to its present low level. Tho organisation of tho work is being synchronised' to permit of the completion of the dam and tho removal of machinery from tho upstream side of tho dam.. ] DEVOTED SERVICE. At tho same time opportunity , was taken to express deep appreciation of Mr. Pack wood's assistance and courtesy to local bodies during his six years' stay in North Ota'go. Tho Mayor of. Oamaru (Mr. M. F. Cboiiey) paid a tribute to the engineering ability of Mr. Packwood and his organising ability over the staff and the workmen in bringing this huge undertaking to a successful conclusion. They wero deeply indebted to Mr. Packwood and Mrs. Packwood for their unfailing courtesy . and hospitality. Mr. Paekwood had given devoted service to his department, and on behalf of the citizens he' congratulated him heartily on tho success attending his efforts. " Other speakers also paid high tributes to Mr. Paekwood's engineering ability, and tho hope was expressed that on accomplishment of one of the greatest engineering undertakings in the history of the Public Works Department he .would be raised to the highest plaeo in tho Department. Mr. Cooney, on behalf of the citizens, presented him with a. pr.esen: for Mrs. Packwood in appreciation of her hospitality and the great assistance she had given her husband. 1 In reply.' /Mr; Packwood thanked the members and.officers, of the local bodies for their help .and courtesy to him and for. the, tangible appreciation of. Mrs. Packwood's; hospitality. . He acknowledged the co-Operation of the staff, and specially 'rnention'ccl the work pf . Mr. .Rifinell (overseor). Mr. Geddes (powerhouse'construction'); and 'Mr.' White Yrriee'hariie.al) "'The designer of the scheme. Mr.F.T.M.. Kiosell, Chief Electrical Engineer, would be proud' of the -ucressful. carrying out of the work. Mr. Pnplf wood., said- he was pleased to lintp..tin- Harbour, Board's ..proposal; :to ■.■aoepen , -the ' ■watci' i of Oamaru port,■ ».nd hoped that the 'district.' with,elertric>itv and .limestone and a 'decpeVfppvti'.:wbuld;.Kecome.' interested in tho nianiifric'tiire of nUrates. • •