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The Roxburgh Hydro Electric scheme construction required the damming of the Clutha River. Work began on the dam in 1955 and involved men from 26 countries working 12 hour shifts, day and night.
This film shows sequences of the construction of pylons, transportation, drilling, grouting etc. A skin diver checks the completed dam for obstructions.
At midnight on July 21st, 1956, the wife of the project engineer releases the sluice gate for the first time. 10,000 cars visit the site, families prospect for gold, picnic and walk across the bed of the Clutha River.
The effects of the new power generation are examined - the turning on of Dunedin's city lights, the lifting of electricity restrictions, the powering of the Otago Dental School, Dunedin Lime and Cement Works, Steel Foundry and the changes for the housewife.