MANGAHAO POWER TO HAWKE’S BAY

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 3305, 26 March 1926, Page 7

MANGAHAO POWER TO HAWKE’S BAY

DUPLICATION OF LINE SOUGHT.

Owing to tlie interruptions caused by gales in the power supply from Mangahao, through damage to the single set of power wires now used for the transmission of current, the Dannevirke, Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa and Tavarua Power Boards yesterday asked the Minister of Public Works (the Right Hon. J. G. Coates) to have the transmission line duplicated between Bunnythorpe and Woodvllie. Mr. E. T. M. Kissell, Chief Government Electrical Engineer, said that some of the apparatus had been thrown out of gear, but that would soon be remedied by the installation of new oil switches now arriving. The interruptions Ithat had caused so much trouble at Bake Coleridge had been practically non-existent at Mangahao. To duplicate the line would involve an expenditure of £14,500, and would take eighteen months to complete, whereas if the necessary guarantees were given Waikaremoana could bo brought in very quickly, and this would avoid the need for duplication. The Department was paying only 52 per cent, this year. With an increased guarantee the duplication might bo done.

.Mr. Coates advised the boards to wait for the new switches, which would do away to a large extent with the delay compained of. It would not be wise to duplicate transmission linos if the boards were going to sign up for Waikaremoana. As soon as Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay had made up their minds! on the subject the Government would be qui)te ready to push on with Waikaremoana.