VISIT TO ARAPUNI.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20420, 23 November 1929, Page 15

VISIT TO ARAPUNI.

EXPERTS FROM OVERSEAS.

HIGH PRAISE FOR ENGINEERS. WORK SPLENDIDLY HANDLED. [BV TELEGRAPH OWN CORRESPONDENT.] ARAPUNI, Friday. Excellent progress is being made by the threo shifts of workmen at the Arapuni power station. To-day the works were inspected by Sir William Noble, a director of tho British General Electric Company. Also of the party were Messrs. W. R. Caithness arid T. Taylor, Australian and New Zealand directors of the company respectively, and Messrs. F. M. Strange, chairman, U. Spragg, manager, and N. G. McLeod, engineer of tho Thames Valley Power Board.

It was stated that it was expected to have the third unit in operation before Christmas, which would considerably reduco tho volume of water falling below tho spillway. The engineers were not now greatly concerned with erosion between the spillway and tho waterfall. Discussing his impressions of the schemo Sir William Noblo said tho undertaking, as completed to date, was a wonderful feat of engineering skill. Ho felt sure it would be a permanent and lasting monument to (he Public Works Department.

Mr. Caithness, in remarking that New Zealand Government engineers had a high reputation overseas, said the scheme as it stood to day was ono of which* any country might bo proud. No expert could fail to bo impressed with tho courageous manner in which the engineers had overcome the initial difficulties, never wholly removed from a largo undertaking of this nature.

"After seeing Arapuni to-day," said Mr. Caithness, "I am more than ever convinced that it is a magnificent work that is being splendidly handled. I do not think there is the slightest need to worry about the future, because I am convinced that the position is well in hand by men who know their jobs."