ARAPUNI.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 257, 30 October 1928, Page 6

ARAPUNI.

The position and nature of the Arapnni site are such that doubts, about its Suitability were inevitable. About the time the contract was signed we were offered an article by a man who knew the country well, in whieh the-risk of disaster was discussed. In view of the fact that the Government had 'made an elaborate investigation of the dam site, and that the decision had been taken, we preferred not to publish this. This was a layman's opinion. That of Mr. B. W. Holmes is a very different matter. Some years ago he was the chief professional adviser of the Government on pubUe works questions. Jsr. Holmes, however, is~doubly unfortunate in the circumstances of his criticism of the undertaking. He has kept silent for some years,' and the very extraordinary circumstances under which this matter is brought before the public must materially discount the opinion at the outset A grievance of Mr. J. D. Holmes in connection with railway freight from a; gravel pit at Otoßohanga in which he and : others are. interested, and the belated issue of the attack on the Arapuni works by Mr. R. W. Holmes are unpleasantly associated. The Government has met this j very, 'alarming statement in the way. Ift is: pointed out that exgrioratiOn was .. made before, the site ...was. accepted, and :that the data was submitted to an expert committee. The' surviving members of this edmmittee have been communicated with, and •hav* reaffirmed their opinion as to the Safetyof the dam. The Chief Engineer of Publie Works gives the public his assurance that the investigation was thorough, and that what has bdeni found during the construction operations confinns the decision. The publie must trust its everts, and the Weight of expert to l« overwhelmingly against Mr. Holmes. The statements of the Prime Minister and Mr. Fnrkert show that the and the absence! of any support' fog Holmes' criticism, and taking info consideration the vefry peculiar circumstances under which it has been issued, this assurance should befredy aeespted. ; j