ARAPUNI OPERATIONS.

Waikato Times, Volume 111, Issue 18600, 1 April 1932, Page 7

ARAPUNI OPERATIONS.

RIVER LEVEL LOWER. RESUMPTION DATE UNCERTAIN. LAKE RAPIDLY FILLING. In the Waikato River between Arapuni and Huntly many sandbanks and Islands are now visible where the water ran freely before. The river between Arapunl and Hora Hora has narrowed considerably and is now fordable. At Hamilton the water is still falling rapidly, and will reach a still lower level before the lake at Arapunl is filled. However, it is still possible to keep the new pump at the borough pumping station running, although it is probable that a small extension will have to be added. At Ilora Hora the gates in the weir erected three years ago are closed and there is no overflow. Praotlcally the whole river has been diverted Into the headrace and passes through the turbines operating at the power station. ' The normal output of the station is 10,000 kilowatts, but with the closing of the tunnel this was reduced to nil. The gates were then opened a little and water was passed through at the rate of 1600 cusecs. This volume enabled Hora Hora to generate 3000 kilowatts. ' The station is running parallel witn King’s Wharf, and is assisting to meet local demands for electricity. When the aperture in the tunnel was reduced yesterday, reducing the flow to 600 cusecs, Hora Hora’s output showed a reduction equal to 1600 kilokatts. Nearly 100 men were paid oft at 'Arapuni on Wednesday, following completion of most of the work, and i fewer than 100 remain on the staff, i The water has entered the headrace. although it has not yet reached the bridge on the To Awamutu road. The engineers in charge cannot determine when the dam will be fllled, the time depending on the conditions at Hamilton, but the opinion was expressed -that the work in hand would not be finished until the end of next week. ,