On WWII mines

Following the interesting story in last week’s Taupo¯ & Tu¯ rangi Weekender of the mine casings upstream from the control gates in Taupo¯ , I can add some history regarding how the casings came to be there.

After the commissioning of Aratiatia Power Station in 1964 the New Zealand Electricity Department was responsible for the maintenance of allied equipment around Lake Taupo¯ and downstream to the power station. During the period 1964 to 1977 I was part of permanent staff as outside maintenance foreman. The original Taupo¯ boom of timber and oil drums was failing and difficult to maintain, replacement needing considering. Mine casings were sent up from Wellington storage where I and my gang removed the lids to place a ballast of 200mm deep of concrete in the bottom of each to reduce the possibility of the casing rolling during maximum river flows. Impressive was the heavy wiring and insulated support blocks as part of the detonation equipment, inside near the top. Connecting loops were welded to the sides, the casings sealed, with cleaning and painting completing the upgrade. They were heavy and care was needed to ensure they did not roll on one’s leg during preparation and handling. The tiebacks on