HYDRO-ELECTRIC ENTERPRISE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23143, 15 September 1938, Page 12

HYDRO-ELECTRIC ENTERPRISE

The development of hydro-electric power is a national enterprise that must inevitably expand. Such is the boon of electricity as an amenity, as a household servant, as a power that takes the yoke of industry, that in a country like New Zealand demand follows close on supply and ordains a progressive policy that in most other commercial directions would be regarded as visionary. But here the engineer must be a visionary. He must look ahead and estimate future needs. Fortunately the records of consumption give clear guidance. Thus Mr. F. T. M. Kissel, chief electrical engineer of the Public Works Department, can speak to supply officials of the "critical year of 1941." He mentions the probability of further development on the Waikato. Yet two new units have recently been installed at Arapuni and in; the extended powerhouse there is the space for the two further ones which will bring the station up to capacity. Elsewhere new sources of power are engaging attention. A start has been made for a second plant of 40,000 k.w. capacity below the existing one at Waikaremoana, to which a new 20,000 k.w. generator has been delivered for installation. Orders have been placed for two additional units, each of 15,000 k.w. capacity for the Waitaki station. A stand-by Diesel-engine plant has been transferred from Canterbury to the West Coast and surveys / for new or expanded schemes are being made. And added to this is the fact that the department already has arranged for the of the steam stations, now idle at Auckland and Wellington, in 1940 and the following year. There is little doubt that the centennial year will find one of its celebrations in hydro-electric activity.