POWER PROJECT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23996, 20 June 1941, Page 8

POWER PROJECT

PROGRESS AT KARAPIRO

CONSTRUCTION OF TUNNEL

WORKERS' LIVING CONDITIONS (OC.) HAMILTON, Thursday Between 250 and MOO men arc engaged in the work of constructing the new hydro-electric generating station on the Waikato River at Crow's Nest, Knrapiro, live miles south of Cambridge. The construction ol' the tunnel, which is to take the overflow of water during the construction of the mam dam, is progressing satisfactorily. Ihe sides of the tunnel are noaring completion, and work has been commenced on the arched roof. When completed, the tunnel will he 1000 ft. in length, ami 25ft below the surface of the river. The construction of coffer dams at each end of the tunnel has been commenced, while over 1)0,000 yards of soil and rock have been excavated Iron) the site where the main dam is to ho built. Foundation work on a steeling yard, a silo, which will hold 600 tons of cement, and a concrete pump, which is expected to turn out 60 yards an hour, has also been commenced. A result of the construction of the station has been the change from what was rugged, unbroken country to a modern township. Approximately 100 married and 200 single men's cottages have been completed, and the Housing Department lias eomniejiced work on the erection of houses on the road winch branches oil' to Knraoiro from the mam highway. The workmen's quarters are fitted with modern conveniences^ The erection of an entertainment hall, which will comprise a canteen and post oflico, a picture theatre and dance hall to seat aOO people, a large reading room and billiard saloon, as well as committee and supper rooms, will be completed within two weeks. This hall will be conducted by the Y.M.G.A. Work on the building of a three-roomed school has commenced, and a tire brigade is being est.ahiished.