SUCCESSFUL TESTS

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 78, 29 September 1934, Page 8

SUCCESSFUL TESTS

THE OFFICIAL OPENING

Success was obtained wi 4 th the first working test of the generating equipment at tho Waitaki hydro-electric station. Tho lake was filled yesterday and ono of the auxiliary sets used to generate power. The following telegram was received by the Minister of Public Works (the lion. J. Bitchener) from Mr. K. H. Packwood, engineer in chargo of construction: —"Lake full at 9 o'clock this morning. Expect two or three feet head over spillway tonight. Started No. 1 auxiliary turbine at 11. All tests satisfactory so far." /

The Minister immediately telegraphed Mr." Packwood congratulating him on bringing to a successful issue such a big undertaking. "It is a good job done," said the Minister, in referring to the construction work which lias been going on for six years. Saturday, October 27, has been fixed as tho date for the official opening by tho Oovcrnoi'rGcneral (Lord Blodisloo), who will deliver the principal address at tho function. The Prime Minister (tho Xt, Hon. G. W. Forbes) and the Minister of Public Works will also take part iii the ceremonies. The viceregal party and members of Parliament will leave Wellington for Waitald on tho previous Friday night. A special train will then take them on tho five-and-a-half hour journey to tho dam, and. three hours will be allowed there for the ceremonies. Tho train will then return to Lyttelton. arrangements having been mado to hold tho steamer express until 11.30 o'clock on the Saturday night.