ARAPUNI'S FATE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 212, 8 September 1930, Page 9

ARAPUNI'S FATE.

HOPEFUL OUTLOOK.

EXPERTS IN CONFERENCE.

ABANDONMENT UNLIKELY.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT DECLINED,

(By Telegraph.—Special to " Star.")

ARAPUNI, this day. When interviewed by a "Star" representative at Arapuni to-day. Professor P. J. Hornell, who is investigating the hydro-electric works, hesitated to make

any announcement without the consent of the Minister. This the Minister, the Hon. W. B. Taverner, refused to give, on account of the fact that a complete order of reference has been set up for Professor Hornell., on which he will report to the Minister direct. This, report will not be ready for some weeks. It is learned, however, that a distinctly optimistic tone prevails, which may be interpreted to mean that there are" high hopes that Arapuni will not have to be abandoned. The steps that will be recommended to set the works in motion again are not indicated. It is understood that possible solutions of the difficulty have been made, but the nature of them has not been disclosed. The above statement was gleaned from an official of the party which visited Arapuni to-day and discussed the various phases of the trouble and possible solutions on the spot. Included in the party were: The Governor-General. Lord Biedisloe; the Hon. W. B. Taverner, Minister of Public Works: Professor P. J. Hornell and his assistant. Mr. Werner; Mr. F. W. Furkert. chief engineer of the Public Works Department, Mr. F. T. M. Kissel, chief electrical engineer: Dr. Henderson. Government Geologist: Professor J. A. Bartrum and Dr. P Marshall, of the Department of Scientific Research. The Minister arrived this afternoon, and the whole party went over the works.

Professor Hornell has been very thorough in all he has clone, taking nothing for granted. He has investigated every tunnel and shaft and has tested every specimen of rock. Ke has also discussed the problems with everybody who could give him any information.

There has been no opening movement at Arapuni since the headrace was unwatered, and the majority of the fissures are now completely closed. The foundations of the power-house, which were said to have split after the first trouble, are reported to be perfectly safe. It is also reported that there has never been any movement in the power-house base. Since the trouble was first experienced, a seismograph has been installed at Arapuni, and daily charts have been made. These show very little tremors, the line being fairly level, but wavy, similar to the seismograph recording in some of the islands where the waves beat constantly against the shore. Before leaving Wellington Mr. Taverner informed the "Star's" representative that it was his intention to incorporate in the Public Works Statement, due for presentation at an early date, the order of reference of the investigation that Professor Hornell is to conduct.