THE FREEMAN'S BAY COLLAPSE.

Auckland Star, Volume XLI, Issue 37, 12 February 1910, Page 4

THE FREEMAN'S BAY COLLAPSE.

Without committing ourselves to an opinion as to the exact- amount of damage done to the redamation. works at Freeman's Bay, or the causes that led up to this extraordinary incident, we think that the occurrence furnishes ample ground for a searching inquiry into this portion of the Harbour Works scheme. That a retaining ■wall ehonld simply tumble down long before it is called upon to support the full weight or strain that it has been calculated to bear, seems to us a very remarkable accident; and though there -may be perfectly satisfactory technical reasons to account for it, we think that the ratepayers and the citizens of Auckland have a right to know more about the whole affair than has yet been made public Nothing but a searching investigation into the work and the causes of the accident will satisfy public feeling on this subject, and we hope that the Harbour Board will take steps in this direction at once. The money value of the damage done is not the most important point at issue; what the people of Auckland would like to knowin the first place is whether this particular reclamation is all being conducted on the lines which have led to such a strange disaster; and, secondly, whether the whole of our Harbour Works scheme, which is to cost the port and city ultimately a million and a-half or more, is being carried out in such a way as to secure the best possible results with the least possible outlay. An event of this sort opens up a limitless field of possibilities; and public confidence in the Harbour Board's administration will not be restored till a great deal more light is thrown upon the questions we have raised. We hope soon to hear that the Board intends to institute an exhaustive inquiry at the earliest possible date. '

A serious arrinVnt hefel Mr. H. Perry, a resident -of Qhakune, on Thursday afternoon, when driving from Karioi, accompanied by his wife and child. It appears that in negotiating a rather sharp turn in the road, the horse and vehicle capsized over the side of a steep incline. Mrs. Perry and hex child escaped with a few braises, but Mr. Perry was severely crushed, and sustained a doable fracture to one of his legs, as well as having several ribs broken. Dr. Latchmore was soon in attendance, and had the sufferer brought back to Ohakune by train last night. At Ohakime on the same day Mr. R. Wilson was severely burnt through some benzine, which he was using, becoming ignited; and yesterday Mr. R Heppelstone was thrown from a horse, and received some nasty cuts and bruises.

Commissioner and Mrs. Bay, assisted by Lietrt.-Colonels Birkenshaw and Knight, and a large staff of officers from neighbouring corps, will conduct great, meetings in the Opera. House, Wellesleystreet, on Sunday. Mrs. Hay gives her 'thrilling lectare "Terrible Tragedies of London Slums" at 3 pjn.

For -the last three months a few friends in connection with Beresford-street Congregational Church have formed a Sunday School with great success in the district of Green Lane. The Beresford-street Church have now decided to erect a small school hall in the Great South-road, and the Congregational Union now sitting in Auckland have decided to adjourn on Wednesday afternoon and proceed to Green Lane ti> lay the foundation-stone. Mr. E. M. Lewis, of Wellington, chairman of the Congregational Union of New Zealand, and various delegates from the South, will take part, and there is every prospect of a good, strong cause in this nourishing and growing district. A train will leave the Auckland station at 3.15 p.m., and will return to town shortly after 5 pan.

In another column the Ancient Order of Foresters announce that their third annual Dominion Picnic will be held at Motutapu on Saturday, February 26th. A strong committee have the arrangements in hand, and they aje endeavouring to provide an interesting programme Entries for the Foresters' Handicap have been extended till 9 pjn. on Monday night, at Bro. G. Fell's, Wellingtonsteeet.

Further evidence of the rapid develop ment of Takapuna as a suburb of the city is fcrtticoming in the fact that the recently formed Bowling, Tennis, and Croquet Club are calling tenders for making their lawns. Very ample financial support has been accorded to the scheme, and the committee are determined to make their greens the best in the district, Without doubt the site purchased from the Shakespeare Estate Company is admirably adapted for the purpose. One bowling green, two tennis courts, and one croquet lawn will be made forthwith, sufficient ground remaining to double that accommodation when necessary. The committee are enthusiastic, and there seems no doubt the club will open next November with a strong membership from local residents, and the .'arge number of visitors who patronise this most popular locality. The wholesale quotations for butter and eggs for the week ending 19th inst. are as follows-: Butter (factory) llsd per lb, eggs 1/2 per dozen. His Honor Mr. Justice Edwards will sit in banco on Monday morning, at 10-30 o'clock, instead of 11 o'clock, as previously stated. Warm weather irvrtrp.s necessary the wearing of suitable underwear. We keep cotton and woollen singlets and pants in jcamfortable weights.—Geo. Fowids,—(Ad.) Record Sale! Record Sale! 2/- discount in the £ off our special sale prices! Starts Monday!— Charles Rainger, draper and clothier, Onehunga.— A** 10 dozen superior mercerised tennis shirts, just opened, usual price 3/6, selling at 2/6 each; wonderful value. At Rushbrook and Bridgmaa's, opposite the Town Hall. Open tiU 9 to-night.-—(Ad.) Workers! Roll up at J. S. Dickson's first great clearance sale, and save your money by purchasing a pair of 10/6 ■working trousers for 7/11; woTMng shirts, 3/6, for 2/6; flannels, 3/6, for 2/9; socks, iy, for 9d-—(Ad.) Would you like a new design in your neglige shirt. Our (famous' 2/11 and 3/11 lines are called for over the whole Dominion.—Geo. Fowids-—(Ad.) Record Sale! Record Sale! 2/- discount in the £ off our special sale prices! Starts Monday!— Charles Rainger, draper and clothier, Onehunga.—AtL Now is the time to save your money by securing one of J. S. Dickson's "Dominion Brand" of Boxed Suits, reduced from 63/ to 45/. Best snake and twtitph —(Ad.) Cummerbunds for summer wear, an attractive item that looks well and wears well this weather.—Geo. Fowids.—(Ad.) Record Sale! Record Sale! 2/- discount in the £ off our special sale prices! Starts Monday!—r.rm.rin.. Rainger, draper and clothier, Onehunga.—Ad. Why is J. S. Dickson's first great clearance sale a success? Because he has greatly reduced every article in his shop. Call and see for yourself.—(Ad.) Our special 21/ all-wool Ni suits beat all; see them, any size. Rushbrook and Bridgman, opposite the Town HalL Open till 9 to-night.—(Ad.) v Passengers to Whangarei should note that the Kanieri is leaving at 8 pan. for the Town wharf to-morrow (Sunday). J. A. Bradstreet, draper, Karangahaperoad. Sale now on. All ready-made dresses and blouses greatly reduced to effect a clearance.—(Ad.) What 6tyle of hat do you desire, 6traw boater, hard or soft felt, linen or helmet bats? We have the lot and more.—Geo. Fowids.—(Ad.) Pretty patterns in pyjama suits will appeal to men of taste. An attractive and a comfortable line.—Geo. Fowids.— (Ad.)