FALL OF ROCK.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19724, 14 September 1929, Page 7

FALL OF ROCK.

SUMNER ROAD TEMPORARILY BLOCKED. SLIGHT INCONVENIENCE. At about 7.25 a.m. yesterday, a fall of rock estimated at over one hundred tons occurred under the cliffs which tower above the roadway adjacent to the proposed swimming pool site. The only person to witness the fall was Mr W. Vaughan, of Pratt street, Hedcliffs, who was riding his bioycle towards Sumner. He stated that the fall was heralded by a sharp explosion, followoa by the loosening of a huge ooulder, wnicli at present is poised on the outer edge of the road. No sooner was this boulder dislodged than tons of loose scoria and boulders of gigantic proportions followed with an ominous roar, completely blocking the roadway Mr Vaughan accounts himself extremely lucky in having escaped serious injury, as had he been directly in the path of the fall, it is highly improbable that he would have tscapeu with his life. Mr Vaughan lost no time in getting word through to Mr G. E. Harper, the Borough Engineer, since with the arrival of one or two City-bound cars a serious stoppage threatened. Fortunately, the blockage of one half of the road consisted mainly of scoria, and a passage-way, barely wide enough to permit a car to pass through, was cleared in about twenty minutes. Another serious aspect of the fall was the bursting of the chief water main to Sumner, which at this point is two feet six inches under the surface of the road However, the low pressure mains in the borough were utilised and residents suffered very little inconvenience. Everv available Council employee was concentrated on removing the debris. In conversation with a representative of The Phxss last evening, Mr Harper said full use would be made of the stone so liberally quarried by Nature. The scoria was carted away yesterday, partly for use in form ing the Esplanade roadway, and partly for the streets in the back area at Sumner. The road had been completely cleared yesterday afternoon, but one massive boulder on the outer edge of the road and many others at and near the base of the cliff would be removed only when required for Council purposes. Late last evening workmen were still engaged in repairing the burst water main.

Many theories are advanced as to the cause of the fall. The recent earthquake might have been a contributing factor, but an examination of the section of the cliff face reveals the existence of a great deal of scoria and water getting behind this would in time have a loosening effect. The present fall recalls the occasion of the last serious fall of rock some fifteen years ago. which resulted in the tram-lines being moved to their present position on the causeway No lives were lost on this occasion, but the fall occurred shortly after a steam tram had passed over that section of the line.

Since yesterday's happening occurred in close proximity to the site of the proposed Datbs, supporters of the Mayor's project and those who are against it are interpreting the fall in si>ch a way as to support their respective contentions. The Mayor (Mr W H. Nicholson) stated that since the rock nearest to the bath was some thirty yards away from its edge, its safety was unquestionable. "Opponents of the scheme, he said, proposed to construct a recreation ground there, which if any danger existed, would be just as dangerous as a swimming pool. Opponents of the scheme, however, consider that one of their strongest npints has been convincingly demonstrated.