A STUPENDOUS WORK.

Waikato Times, Volume 99, Issue 16654, 20 November 1925, Page 5

A STUPENDOUS WORK.

OPERATIONS AT ARAPUNI

VISIT OF INSPECTIONS

AMAZEMENT OF THE AUCKLANDERS

By Telegraph—Special Reporter,

ARAPUNI, Friday

Stupendous, almost beyond Hie comprehension of the average layman, is the task which the well-known firm of Armstrong-Whitworth are undertaking' in harnessing the Waikato River at Arapuni to provide hydro power for this part of the North Island. Nobody who has not visited Hie site can have the faintest idea of the magnitude of the undertaking. To-day a large party of Auckland businessmen, including members of the Auckland Power Board, the Mayor (Mr G. Bnildon), the City Engineer (Mr Bush), and other public men, are visiting the site. The party, who were shown over ihe works by Mr F. W. A. Handman. the company’s agent, expressed amazement at the magnitude' of the undertaking, which is making steady progress, and is well up to schedule time.

The huge diversion tunnel, 720 ft. long by 25 ft. in circumference, which is to carry the full volume of the river to enable ihe construction of the great concrete dam' is now through, and the work of concreting it is in progress. The fissures for the big concrete wing or curtain walls, which split through the banks for SO feet to the west and ISO feet to the east, are nearly completed, and the concreting is expected to commence in a fortnight. It is anticipated the diversion of the water will take place in May next.

The work generally appears to be proceeding with the greatest efficiency, and the officials have little doubt that power will be delivered up to time in 1928, provided no abnormal and uncontemplated contingencies arise. , The party will proceed to Hamilton by motor this afternoon, and return to Auckland by to-night’s Limited.