TROUBLE AT ARAPUNI.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 June 1930, Page 8

TROUBLE AT ARAPUNI.

It is distinctly disquieting that further difficulties should have been encountered in connection with water storage at the Arapuni hydro-electric station. Tn an undertaking of such magnitude, located in -a country that owes its formation to volcanic agencies, it was inevitable that certain risks must be run. With the most careful engineering preparation and the most meticulous consideration of all the geological data available, the possibility of meeting with conditions so far unheard of was something to be reckoned with. That conditions at Arapuni were in some degree unique was demonstrated when the British contractors for the power-house were permitted to relinquish their undertaking upon terms which have never been more public. Satisfied that their own calculations were reliable, the Public Works Department’s engineers took over the work of erecting the power house and the generating plant, and except for vibration in regard to one turbine their faith in their plans appears to have been fully justified. But in regard to the disposal of the waste water from the lake conserved by the big dam there has been a good deal of difficulty. In attempting to harness such stupendous natural forces there is always an element of uncertainty as to results, however careful the preparation. At Arapuni the chief difficulty appears to be that the country which the diverted river passes, or so much of it as is not used through the power house, is proving unequal to the strain of the torrent that is being released. Erosion has taken place, and apparently is showing signs of being more serious. Fortunately, remedial measures a-: already well in hand, and it looks as though the latest difficulty may be met without interference with the supply of

power. While the matter is one to be treated seriously, it is not one -a which any. other than expert opinion is of value, and there is no reason to fear that it will be beyond engineering skill to overcome. Unfortunately, it looks as though the capital cost of the Arapuni undertaking will be heavily increased by these later developments, and as it is already much greater than was estimated, this is much to be regretted. But whatever the cost, safety and continuous service must be provided.