RIMUTAKA SLIP.

Hawera Star, Volume XLIX, 5 September 1929, Page 5

RIMUTAKA SLIP.

DIFFICULT WORK TO CLEAR IT CHIEF. ENGINEER, REPLIES TO COMPLAINTS. (By Telograph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Sept. 4. In reply to criticism on the Public Works Department for alleged slackness in clearing the Rimutaka slip, Air j Furkctt, chief engineer, says that all . possible is being done. If the road were completely closed until the slip ' was properly cleared, it would be quicker, cheaper and less risky. People were always ready to take risks and for that reason had endeavoured to cross the slip. The road, was really dangerous and needs only tlie slightest swerve for a| car to go over. Men were working ,in 9j hour shifts, but not at night, as it was too dangerous. As to the comment that blasting ought to have been employed, it had been done several times without satisfactory results. There were deep, cracks in tlie hillside and no sooner was one lot of debris cleared than another came down. The place was not safe even for pedestrians. How long it would take to repair the damage he could not say, as it depended on the weather. The men were working as quickly as possible, but had to go carefully.