MORE POWER

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21155, 3 July 1940, Page 10

MORE POWER

SUPPLY IN DOMINION UNDERTAKINGS OUTLINED KARAPIRO SCHEME (Special to Times) CAMBRIDGE, Tuesday The undertakings that are under way to increase the bulk supply of electricity in New Zealand were outlined in a letter received at last night’s meeting of the Cambridge Power Board from the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. R. Semple. Of particular interest was the reference to the new scheme at Karapiro, where work has been commenced. It was stated that a station was being built to generate 84,000 kilowatts. The work was estimated tc be completed by the end of 1943. The Minister also outlined the additions being carried out at Arapuni, where two new units were being installed to generate 21,000 kilowatts each. The first unit would be in operation by the beginning of winter next year. Two new units were also being installed at Waikaremoana. An important item was the erection of control gates at the outlet of Lake Taupo, which would govern the flow of water in the Waikato River. Under the conditions existing and with no guarantee of the supply of materials by the due date, the times set down for the completion of the undertakings under way were noV definite, added the Minister. “The position appears very satisfactory, and the department is evidently doing its best to maintain an adequate supply of power,” remarked the chairman, Mr Mervyn Wells. The Cambridge Board could take the credit for the work at Taupo, he added. When the board was in its infancy, it had suggested that the lake should be regulated on the balltap system, to provide more water for the river when needed. Correspondence and plans of the proposal would be found in early records of the board. “The position today shows that the Cambridge Board did look ahead,” said Mr Wells.