POWER TRANSMISSION

Greymouth Evening Star, 24 June 1937, Page 8

POWER TRANSMISSION

POLES DELIVERY DELAYED. iI’ER press association.] CHRISTCHURCH, June 23. The erection of poles for the main electric power transmission line between Lake Coleridge and Arahura, is indefinitely held up because of the failure of deliveries of special poles. These 55ft. poles have been on order since July, 1936, but circumstances have prevented their arrival. A statement about the position was made in an interview to-day by the Minister for Public Works, Hon. R. Semple. The Minister said that because of their size these special poles could be brought across the Tasman only on certain vessels, one of which, the Abel Tasman, .had been wrecked. Further delay was caused by bad weather in New South Wales in the timber areas. He also understood that another factor presenting the arrivals was the large orders which had been placed by the New South Wales Government for internal requirements. “However, the Arthur’s Pass section, where steel towers are being constructed. is progressing satisfactorily, in spite of the bad weather which has been prevailing in the’ area. Most of the tower foundations have been constructed, and at least three towers have been erected. Approximately 35 towers are to be built. The length of the line is 96 miles*, and of that distance the lack of poles at present is holding up erection along 90 miles. Poles are now beginning to come to hand in small quantities, but the position is quite unsatisfactory from the point of view of the Department. When sufficient poles come to hand a contract will be let for the- erection of the rest of the line, but at the moment this cannot be done.” The Minister said that the crossing over the Waimakariri River at the Bealey, and the crossing of the Mingha River had been completed. A contract had also been let for a number of pole positions for which pile-driving would be necessary in the Ojira and Teremakau Rivers and this work would soon be completed.