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Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 102, 27 October 1934, Page 10

OPENING OF THE WAITAKI PLANT

DOMINION'S BIGGEST HYDRO UNDERTAKING

CONQUEST OF A TREACHEROUS RIVER

Another red-letter day in the history of New Zealand's electric power development is marked today by the official opening of the hydro-electric power station near Kurow, where a great dam harnesses the Waitaki River and turns the water into penstocks to feed the biggest turbo-generators yet installed in the Dominion. The official opening was performed this afternoon by his Excellency the Governor-General, in the presence of a large gathering. A Parliamentary party left Wellington last night to attend the ceremony, and will return by tonight's express steamer.

The ceremony, according to a Press Association message, was performed in brilliant sunshine, a special train conveying the official party, headed by the Governor-General (Lord Bledisloe), the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes), and the Minister of Public Works (the Hon. J. Bitchener) to the scene of the ceremony.

The train arrived at the works at 1.30 p.m., and on arrival the guests attended an official luncheon, which was followed by a tour of inspection of the works. The gathering was then addressed by Lord Bledisloe, and at the conclusion of his speech his Excellency started one of the turbines and switched on the lights. Mr. Bitchener then presented Lord Bledisloe with a silver-mounted miniature of a turbine. Speeches followed from the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition (Mr. M. J. Savage), Mr. J. A. Nash, M.P., and Mr. Bitchener. After the ceremony afternoon tea was served and the works were thrown open for public inspection.