HYDRO SCHEMES

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 13 January 1925, Page 5

HYDRO SCHEMES

IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS.

MAN G AH AO AND W AIK A REMOAN A

OUTLETS FROM THE LAKE

(By Telegraph.—Special to Star.) WELLINGTON, Jan. 12. There have recently been two important developments in connection with hydro-electric supply. The Public Works Department lias decided to commence the construction of the upper dam at Mangaliao. which will doubie the storage capacity for that scheme. The present works comprise the Tokomatiii dam, between the tunnels which carry water from the eastern side of the range and the Mangaliao dam, which stores supplies from that stream. Preparations aie now being made for the construction of a da.ni two mile* higher up this stream, to secure further storage. It will also have the valuable result of protecting the lower dam and tunnel inlet from accumulations of shingle, which under conditions of heavy Hoot! is liable to cause trouble in the course of years. The present storage is sufficient to carry on the power output to the amount required, but in a few years the extra storage will be required in the .summer months, and a prompt start with the work will enable the efficient staff which has been gathered to be retained, and the roads and other facilities used before they depreciate, which would be the case in this rough country within a few years. An extension of the road two miles gp the Mangahao Valley and the preparation of a camp is now in progress. AT WALK Alt EMO AN A.

A report has been furnished on, the Lake Waikaremoaria outlets, to- the Public Works Department, by Dr. P. Marshall, geologist, which supports the Department’s original opinion that these outlets, which are to be utilised for generation of power,- are quite permanent. The conditions at Lake Waikaremoana are unusual; there is no surface outlet to- the lake, the first outlet being a subterranean one about 85 feet below water level. There are other flows which could be used for power generation, and the question to be settled before a large expenditure is incurred is whether these underground channels are liable to change. The geologist’s opinion, however, is quite reassuring, and the development of this extensive source of power can proceed without anxiety as to its permanence.