COAL CREEK DAM INVESTIGATIONS NEARLY COMPLETED

Evening Star, Issue 26136, 25 June 1947, Page 10

COAL CREEK DAM INVESTIGATIONS NEARLY COMPLETED

The investigatory work on the Coal Creek hydro-electric development was approaching completion, according to a report of the progress of development works in Otago given yesterday at a meeting of the Otago Regional Planning Council. It was hoped that the actual site of the dam would be pinpointed before long. With this end in view a tunnel was being driven under the river to ensure that solid rock would be encountered along the whole length of the dam.A report issued after the meeting gave the following information regarding works previously' recommended to the Government by the council:— CENTRAL OTAGO PLANS. Upper Clutha Irrigation (First Priority).—This work is in hand. Surveys have been completed of approximately 6,000 to 7,000 acres, and agreement has almost been reached with the Central Otago Power Board regarding provision of power for pumping water to be supplied from a new generating station using the water from the Fraser River dam. Maniototo Irrigation Scheme (Second Priority).—Owing to man-power shortages and other difficulties it does, not appear that this scheme will be gone m with for some time yet, but survevs. are being undertaken with a view to work being started immediately conditions permit.

Roxburgk-Alexnndra Portion, Mi.l- - State Highway (Third Priority).—A contract has already been let for scaling 12 miles from Alexandra southwards, and this work should be completed by the end_ of Alarch next. Work on reconstruction, nutting out the present tortuous route and substituting a new road on good alignment, is being proceeded with for a distance of three miles, which will he extended when machinery and man power are available. Eventually the road will be reconstructed to the Roxburgh flats. OTAGO COASTAL AREA. Albert iStreet Extension and the Kaikorai Valiev Road (First Priority). —The city engineer, Mr S. G. Scoular, reported progress regarding land negotiations for the Albert street extension and the decision of the City Council to continue the widening and reconstruction of the North Taieri road to the city boundary. Afforestation Scheme (Second Priority. A large nursery to serve the whole of the afforestation projects throughout the district has been set up at Milton, and seedlings are now growing. This year it is proposed to plant as much as possible on the Berwick forest area, which has already been ronded with this end in view.

Dtmedin-Invorcargill State Highway - j Clinton-Arthurton Section . (Third Priority).—This work has been retarded owing to lack of man power, but some useful work has been done. Up to date all culverts have been installed. and a start has been made with the accessary excavation for the new road. It is hoped that some small portion of this road may bp sealed this year, but it does not appear possible to complete the work for approximately 18 months. Tlie meeting was attended by Messrs M. S. Myers (chairman), H. A. Adams. W. T. Langbein, G T. Edgar, L. F. Evans, F. Goodwin, A. Mitchell. J. A Scoular, H. McDowell-Smith. H. L. Paterson, S. G. Scoular, M. M. Caudwell, A. A. ißeid, C. Langbein, J. Sutherland, and J. V Trezise (secretary).