16 The N.Z. Journal of Science and Technology. [Jan, 
Economic and Scientific Developments resulting from the 
Lake Coleridge Hydro-electric Power-supply. 
By L. Birks, B.Sc., M.Inst.C.E., M.I.E.E., Electrical Engineer, Public 
Works Department, Christchurch. 
(Part of address delivered to the Wellington Philosophical Society, 28th June, 1917.) 
On the 25th November, 1914, the installation of the Lake Coleridge hydro¬ 
electric power-supply for Canterbury was completed for formal opening, 
and an intermittent service commenced. Many difficulties had still to 
be overcome, but a continuous service has been run from the 1st March, 
Fig. 1. 
1915. In the two years that have elapsed the supply of cheap power has 
had a not inconsiderable stimulating effect on the industries of Canter¬ 
bury, and has not only lowered the working-costs of existing industries, 
but has permitted the manufacture of new products which the war has 
rendered very expensive, or unobtainable in New Zealand. 
The power plant is designed for an ultimate capacity of four generators 
of 1,500 kilowatts capacity each and two of 3,000 kilowatts each. Of 
these, three units of 1,500 kilowatts each, totalling 4,500 kilowatts, were 
erected and put into commission at the opening. The growth of the 
demand for power led to the instalment of the fourth unit of 1,500 kilowatts, 
which was put into service in March, 1917, making a total installed capacity 
at the power-house of 6,000 kilowatts. A fifth unit of 3,000 kilowatts 
