ARAPUNI

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XX, Issue 148, 12 June 1930, Page 5

ARAPUNI

OUT OF ACTION 12 MONTHS ENGINEER'S ESTIMATE. DIFFICULTIES IN AUCKLAND. [Pei Presi Association.] Auckland, June 12. It is understood that it will be at least twelve months before Arapuni will be in action again. Mr. Furkert, the engineer, says that as the work proposed is very considerable, it is impossible to estimate the time it will take. The stand-by plants were quite sufficient to meet requirements, he adds, and taking the maximum load of the last month as a criterion, there would bo power to spare. . ; The linking of Arapuni with Waikaremoana would not be accomplished for eighteen months. Waikaremoana was already linked with Mangahao and the line from Stratford to Mangahao was almost completed. Another line would be constructed from Arapuni to Stratford, completing the circuit. In the event of a breakdown in any district, the power could then be supplied from the next nearest station. Some difficulty is being experienced by the Auckland Power Board in maintaining the continuity of supply. There were interruptions, last night, and they may recur to-night. Friday night, with its usually heavy load, is also causing considerable anxiety. THE CHANGE OVER. NORMAL WORK SUSPENDED. [United Press Association—By CableCopyright.) Auckland, June 11. The generation of electricity at Arapuni station, where the first unit was brought into commission on June 3, 1929, was suspended this afternoon for an indefinite period. The transfer of the load to various local stations was completed during the afternoon. The change-over was accompanied by some interruptions in the city, but as evening advanced normal regularity was established. More serious difficulties were experienced! in tho rural supply areas. A preliminary estimate is now available of the protection works under consideration by the engineers of the Public Works Department. The longest will be a huge mass of concrete, covering the falls in the overflow channel below the* spillway. Last vear it was estimated that this would cost £250,000. The lining of at least tho lower part of the headrace is also proposed. "NO HASTY DECISIONS." STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER. [Per Press Association.) Wellington, June 12. No decisions to deal with the engineering difficulties that have arisen at the Arapuni hydro-electric works will be made until the full extent of the faults and the general situation haye been fully explored. A flat denial of the statement telegraphed from Auckland that the headrace, together with the cliff and face of the falls below the spillway, were, to be concreted was issued by the Minister of Pubilc Works (Hon. W. B. Taverner) yesterday. "The statement,” said, the Minister, “is entirely unauthorised. As I indicated a few days ago, remedial measures can only be. considered after complete investigation has been made and full expert information received bv me. Up to the moment no such "proposal ns the one mentioned has been supp' ; Ito mo. In any case, it would be : matter for Cabinet to decide what expenditure should be authorised. , "It is not my intention,” the Minister added, “to make any hasty decision in regard to the matter. The problem is one nreseniing such extraordinary conditions that the fullest possible information will be required before anything is done.” [See also page 8 for pictures of Arapuni and for outside engineers opinions regarding ths scheme.]