ARAPUNI.

Matamata Record, Volume XIV, Issue 1193, 5 February 1931, Page 5

ARAPUNI.

ITS REHABILITATION.

Scenes of Great Activity.

Arapuni is entering on the third phase of its existence, that of rehabilitation, and though the maximum number of men have not yet been employed a scene of great activity prevails. A run around various points is of interest. Standing on the concrete dam, one watches men (so far below that they look like dwarfs) engaged in picking out sides of the walls, while rake and lorry loads of spoil are dumped into the ravine below. As stones fall into the water a detonating effect is obtained. A light railway runs along the old bed of the river down to the spillway.

On the Te Awamutu side of the river a contract has been let for the removal of 32,000 yards of spoil to form a stopbank. Horse teams and tractors vie with each other in the execution of this work.

To the casual observer the greater activity is concentrated on the falls. A large gang of men is excavating preparatory to concreting the falls. It is understood that the falls are to be concreted'in stair formation so as to break the fall of the water. Workmen state that the bottom of the falls is to be dug out to a depth of 40 feet and then concreted. A flying fox lets down buckets which when filled are emptied into a hopper and the spoil is taken away to form the base of a light railway line which is running down towards the buried forest. A huge electric crane also assists in removing the spoil from this section of the works.

A peaceful little lake of bluecoloured water provides a touch of colour amid the otherwise-drab surroundings.

Large electric lights are placed on the banks to enable work to be done at night.

A large number of iron sheds have sprung up all over the place. As with all Government undertakings, there are the usual large number of “ Thou shalt nots ” in the form of notice boards at various points.

Three shifts are being worked, and it is interesting to see the change over. No time is lost, and so man’s effort to regain mastery over the mighty forces of nature goes on. Arapuni is fast assuming the appearance it had when the works were at their zenith. Rumour states that employment , for 800 men will yet be found at the hydro-electric works.