HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 16688, 10 March 1920, Page 3

HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER.

THE ARAPUNI SCHEME,

WORK OF INVESTIGATION,

Satisfactory progress is being made with the investigation work of the Public Works Department at Arapuni, in connection with the proposal to establish hydro-electric works. Tho investigation work includes a systematic examination of the foundation and strata at and in the vicinity of the site.

Mr. C. B. Sealy, engineer iu charge, interviewed at Arapuni on Wednesday, said, tho position at present was that the investigation shafts and tunnels at the dam site were nearly completed. The drive nnder the river is now across. The top headings of the diversion tunnel have/been commenced on three faces. All three headings were traversing satisfactory country. Twenty-five men were employed on the work. Referring to criticism that obsolete methods were being employed, and that the work was proceeding slowly, Mr. Sealy said approved methods were being nsed. ant that the work was being pushed forward with all speed at every post able face simultaneously. Asked as to when the investigation work would cease, and the construction of the main scheme would commence, Mr. Sealy said he could not say. The question of adopting the proposal to dam the Waikato River and construct hydro-electric works had, yet to he decided upon, and was a matter of Government policy.