HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER.

Marlborough Express, Volume LIIII, Issue 14, 17 January 1920, Page 6

HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER.

LAKE COLEIUDGE SCHEME

INCREASING THE SUPPLY

The lon.y;-]ioped-for-50 per cent increaKe in the amount o'i electric current available from Lake Coleridge l:;is come a step nearer. When Lake Coleridge was harnessed in the first place preliminary provision was n.;;de for a supply oi' 10,000 h.p., but only 8000 h.p. wan provided for a commencement. Then early in the war period orders were placed for the necessary generating machinery and pipe lines for the provision of :\ further 4000 h.p.

The turbine for that third pipe line is now in place, and the balance of the generating machinery is on the v'l'.ter. The pipes have not yet been slipped, however. A cablegram has row been received from the High Commissioner statin-?; that a manufacturing firm in Glasgow hopes to have the pipes completed by March. In that case, nnd always providing that shipping; is avoidable, the last of the material should be landed by the beginning of this year before the current is through to Christohurch. No additional transmission lines will be required.

For months past ihe Public Works Department has been refusing applications for current, so that there is not likely to be a surplus for any lengthy period after the n»-w supply is available.

Tenders are now being prepared for the supply of the- pipes and machinery necessary to bring the supply up to the full 16,000 h.p.. and the probability is that tha second" extra 4000 h.p. will follow very closely after the first.