ARAPUNI SCHEME.

Hawera Star, Volume XLIX, 6 September 1929, Page 5

ARAPUNI SCHEME.

danger from erosion

POWER BOARD WANTS INFORMATION.

(By Telegraph —Press Association.) TE AROHA. Sept. 5

The recent developments at Arapuni were discussed at a meeting: ot the Thames Valley Power Board. The chairman (Mr Strange) stated that it had been estimated that ognt vends Vvo-uldi elapse b-efoito the tails could creep back to the spillway endangering the works- at- the head ol the penstock tunnels, and no safety measures beyond steel lining of a- portion of the diversion tunnel to- give greatei .security should be necessary. Had a start been made with driving additional jam stock tunnels. when the danoer from rapid erosion at the- ialls tiist became apparent, and water to tie full capacity sent through the tunnels, the Department would not have been faced with such serious difficulties. It would be reasonable to assume that the departmental heads in Wellington were appraised of the danger by the engmeer in c-harge of the- works, and weie responsible for the failure to- take attenuate' safety measures. Mr Strange said that the presein indications were that the dam won k have to be emptied and they would have to revert to the conditions before Ampuni was linked up, till the Jails were f ‘°onlbe' motion of Mr H. M. Corbett it was decided to write to the Dcnaifment asking that the board be informed of the reason for the failure to take the only eonrse of action which could liave ensured the safety,. and who was responsible for the inaction.