EXAMPLE TO COMMUNITY

Evening Star, Issue 26091, 3 May 1947, Page 9

EXAMPLE TO COMMUNITY

WORKERS AT KARAPIRO PRIME MINISTER'S PRAISE (I*.A.) AUCKLAND, May 2. Xlie work and co-operation of tne engineers,- tradesmen, ana labourers who rave built the Karapiro hydro-electric scheme, and who are now constructing a third dam on the Waikato River, at Maraetai, was cited as an example to the community by the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, after visiting the projects to-day. He said in an interview that if the same .excellent spirit were extended to all phases of the Dominion's social, economic, and industrial life, it would prove the salvation of the country, and would place it in the vanguard of nations for industrial achievement and stability: “ The whole conception of the hydroelectric scheme, its planning and its application, are most impressive,” Mr Fraser stated. “ The men also seem happy in their'work. The settlements must of necessity be temporary, but in face of that disadvantage every effort is being made to provide the greatest opportunities for home life, and a good standard of. housing seems to.have been established.” Accompanied by Mr A. S. Richards, M.P., and the engineer-in-charge, Mr .1. T. Gilkisoni the Prime Minister spent two hours at Karapiro before seeing the progress made m excavating the diversion tunnel at Maraetai. During his inspection he spoke individually to scores of men. They were thanked for their contribution ito what the Prime Minister termed ‘‘a great job done in a great spirit.” ■ When Mr Fraser arrived in tho power bouse, the first of-three generating units to be completed had been taken off load for testing. On reaching the control room, however, he saw the engineers effortlessly close the switches and watched the meters record the gradually increasing output, until within a few minutes the machine uas contributing 30,000 kilowatts to the North Island power system.