SAVING ARAPUNI.

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 254, 22 September 1930, Page 7

SAVING ARAPUNI.

SWEDISH EXPERT’S OPINION,

STATEMENT EXPECTED EARLY

WELLINGTON, Sept. 22. Although nothing official is being said about the Arapuni hydro-electric works until Professor P. J. Hornell, the Swedish expert, has made his report to the Government, it is understood on good authority that he will not condemn the scheme. It is believed that after an exhaustive investigation of the Arapuni works and the surrounding country, and after conferences with geologists and engineers, Professor Hornell is sanguine about the chances of recommissioning the plant. It is understood his opinion is that the safety of Arapuni can be assured by the adoption of remedial measures and by carrying out other work to prevent further shifting of the country which moved and caused the cracks in concrete work which led to the present breakdown.

The only question likely to cause concern is that of finance. It is stated that in any case it will cost a great deal to carry out work to ensure the future safety of the works. It is not likely that Professor Hornell’s report will be included in the Public Works Statement to be presented to Parliament next week. However, the scope of the inquiry he was asked to make by the Government will be set out by the Minister of Public Works, Hon. W. B. Taverner, and it is understood this will contain matter of interest. Professor Hornell’s report will probably be released immediately after the Public Works Statement. The saving of Arapuni is of great importance not only to the Auckland province, which it serves directly, but also to the country generally. It was stated officially recently that the scheme had already absorbed about £2,250,000. Apart from the score of financial loss that would be involved in the abandonment of the scheme the plan to link up the North Island with an electrical supply chain would be seriously affected.