ARAPUNI WORKS

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 94, 18 October 1934, Page 4

ARAPUNI WORKS

SATISFACTION EXPRESSED

MINISTER'S STATEMENT

Satisfaction with the operation of tho adjusted machinery at'Arapuni was expressed in the House of Representatives last night by the. Minister of Public, Works (the Hon. J..Bitchenerl).

Mr. Bitchener said that most members wore aware that it was intended to enlarge th-e works, and he wished to emphasise that the stability of the powerhouse was such as to warrant the extensions being proceeded with. In former years there had been a lot of criticism as to the stability of the powerhouse, and critics had concentrated on the foundations, as the cause of the trouble, whereas it had been due to the machinery not running as well as it might have. Later events had proved that it was the machinery which had been, at fault, and not tho foundations of the. power-house. After satisfactory adjustments had been made, the machinery for the last twelve months had operated extremely well. Ho trusted, therefore, that the Leader of the Opposition would no longer feel apprehensive about the works, and the supply of power. The advice of the departmental experts could be relied upon; that indicated that the position was secure. "We can rest assured," the Minister added, "that everything possible has been done to guard against any untoward happening, and as far as the human element is concerned, the position is one of safety."