FAIRLIE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20680, 19 March 1937, Page 13

FAIRLIE

FORKS RIVER POWER SCHEME CONTROL BY COUNCIL Plans and specifications have been prepared for the installation of a hydro-electric power scheme on the Forks river above Tekapo, and the Mackenzie County Council has obtained authority from the Local Government Loans Board to borrow £4300 for a term of 25 years at 34 per cent., for that purpose. The Forks river is a short distance above Tekapo village on the Pukaki highway, and drains into the Tekapo river. The scheme will supply electricity current to four main consumers in the vicinity, and if Government permission for the sale of current can be obtained, to residents in Tekapo village. The capacity of the proposed plant will be between 100 and 120 kilowatts. It is estimated that the normal flow of the Forks River is 150 cusecs, or 99,750 gallons a second. Readings taken last winter, however, showed that during extremely cold periods the flow was reduced to less than 70 cusecs. It is Intended to install a stone-crib dam which will raise the water for the intake 12 or 15 inches, but as it was shown that the dam should be made watertight, provision has been made for a concrete core. To provide against severe frosts which have caused difficulty with some private plants, a small house is being built over the screen and a larger fall is being allowed for the race.

The consulting engineers who have charge of the scheme, Messrs J. R. Templin and J. R. Royds, Christchurch, have received various estimates for a suitable turbine and generator, the costs varying from £950 to £l6OO, but they consider that for the low head an ordinary casing type of machine will be suitable, the casing to be either steel or concrete. The alternator will be wound for 400 volts and it is proposed to step up to 11,000 volts for transmission. Galvanised steel wire is suggested for the transmission line. Poles 30 feet high are to be used, and because of the possibility of heavy snow they are to be spaced 20 to the mile. Takapo House and three sheep stations are to be the main consumers. At a conference held at Tekapo to discuss the scheme,, it was stated that approximately £4OO in revenue would be required to make the scheme selfsupporting; that was on the assumption that the cast would be about £4OOO. The four interested parties have guaranteed up to £4OO a year for the current they would use. That amount, allowing for Interest, sinking fund and depreciation at 74 per cent, is considered sufficient to pay all expenses, and it is pointed out that the guarantee is exclusive of any revenue that might be obtained from Tekapo village. It is understood with regard to that fact, that several people in Timaru, if electricity is made available. intend to build summer residences at Tekapo. The scheme will have considerable bearing on the future development of Tekapo, and as a public back-country enterprise, is a work somewhat unique for a local body to undertake. Much detailed work has fallen on the Mackenzie County Council staff, and various motions have had to come before the Council; a further formal motion authorising the loan and setting out the special rating area has to comtf before next meeting. It is considered that the Council has power to levy a special administrative charge; as the scheme comes under the Jurisdiction of no other local body, it had to take full control. The intention to proceed to the Loans Board had to be advertised, notice had to be given of the proposed rate for security, and the consent of the ratepayers had to be approved by the Governor-General in Council.

The manner in which the work is to be carried out has to pass the Mackenzie County Council, it must appoint an engineer and has to agree to his fees. Among other matters, the Council must apply for a license to use the water power, and in addition to the fee necessary for the granting of that permission, an annual rental will be payable; a separate interest and sinking fund account has to be kept, and the Council must appoint an operator and fix his wage. At the last meeting of the Council, Mr D. Rodman was appointed operator at a salary of £52 a year. The plant is to be automatic in operation and will not require constant attention. In lieu of a rate, one annual charge will be collected by the Council

MACKENZIE COLLIE CLUB Special prizes at the Mackenzie Collie Club’s trials at Burke’s Pass were won as follows: Hayter Memorial Shield, C. Hayter’s Barnie; Macmillan Challenge Shield, I. Watson’s ’ Pry de; Mr R. C. Kllgour’sc £5/5/-, R. Rapley; other special prize results are not yet available. TENNIS COMPETITIONS In the Fairlie Tennis Club’s competitions, further results are: Women’s singles, Miss R. Scarland defeated Miss L. Crichton 51-50. Miss J. Seay defeated Miss Scarland 51-27. In the final Miss Seay has to play Miss I. Lyons. Men’s singles: L. Seay defeated A. H. Carlton 51-45. Seay has to play W. B. Trotter and the winner will have to meet the finalist in a match between I. Watson and M. Seay. The finals of the combined doubles have been postponed to the closing day, April 3.