Southland Power Board members watch pipes being rolled, circa 1924. THE GRAND ELECTRIFICATIONOF THE SOUTHGay BuckinghamThe Power CompanyLocal gravel was used the make the cradles that sheathed the pipes. Almost every facet of the Lake Monowai power station, canal and powerhouse construction required new skills. The early years from the formation of The Southland League in 1914 produced local heroes, such as Alexander Wylie Rodger, and physical achievements such as the building of the power station at Lake Monowai. The Southland Electric Power Board of 1919, formed on legislation suggested by The Southland League, was the first of its kind in New Zealand, if not the world.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 05, 2017 18:05 UTC