TUNNEL COLLAPSES

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 194, 18 May 1928, Page 8

TUNNEL COLLAPSES

SUBSIDENCE AFFECTS THEATRE WALL

Dominion Special Service.

Auckland, May 17. Cracks and fissures have appeared in the ground near the middle of the shopping area at New Lynn. Portion of the tunnel, that is being driven beneath the heart of the township in connection with the drainage operations there has collapsed, an untoward happening which has caused damage to the Delta Theatre and a yard next door, the back portion of the premises of Mr. R. b. Collard, baker. Last Sunday eracks began to appear in the bakery yard. A subsidence followed, and the walls or the Delta Theatre were affected. The drainage scheme necessitates the construction of some miles of tunnels, and work was carried on rapidly _all thiough the recent dry weather. One of the tunnels for which a contract bad been let at a price ,of £SSBS embraces a drive at a depth of about 40ft. On examination of the tunnel it was found that the drive had caved in close to the rear of the theatre, and sets of timber iiad been crushed to matchwood. An ugly crack developed in the wall ot the concrete building, and-steps were immediately taken to prevent turther damage. Wooden toms have been placed against the theatre wall, and as a precaution the hall has been temporarily closed until repairs are effected and the foundations made secure. Until this work is completed it is impossible for the contractors to clear the tunnel, as the removal of the earth, which has settled, may cause damage. Foundations will have to be put down to a depth below the tunnel bottom to make sure of no further movement.