POWER SUPPLY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21806, 22 May 1934, Page 8

POWER SUPPLY

FUTURE OF ABAPUNI PROPOSAL FOR EXTENSIONS ASSISTING SOUTHERN PLANTSDIVISION OF OPINION The possibility of the Arapuni hydro, electric station being extended was discussed at a meeting of the Auckland Electric-Power Board yesterday, when members expressed different opinions concerning tho advisability of an ex- - : tension. The chairman, Mr. W. J. Holdsworth, said he did not think the Government would consider any addition* I to Arapuni at present. The general manager, Mr. R. H. Bartley, said he understood the Gov- 1 ernment had tinder consideration the I installation of two more sets. This would be a very wise scheme, as the ! big expenditure, that in connection with the headworks, had already been undertaken. The joining up of Arapuni with the Waikaremoana rind Mangahao power stations was done originally so that if anything should happen to Arapuni, the others could take over. The present consideration, however, was just the reverse, and would put Arapuni in a position tq assist the southern stations if necessary. Mr. J. Park said Waikaremoana and Mangahao were two "duds, ■' and the authorities were hoping that Arapuni would stand up.

Mr. Holclswortk said the country was volcanic and as subject to an earthquake as any other part of NewZealand. Personally .ho thought it would be wise to go further up to Aratiatia- or _ the Huka Falls, rather than to put all the eggs in one basket at Arapuni.