THE DEADLY LANDSLIP.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11687, 24 June 1901, Page 4

THE DEADLY LANDSLIP.

The lamentable accident at Nihotupu is one that reminds us with what risk to life and limb all great engineering work is carried on. To say that such accidents are preventive is only partially true, for the sedulous safeguarding which alone could eliminate accident demands not merely the most perfect superintendence, but an untiling cautiousness among those whose lives are endangered. The present sad fatalities would hardly seem to have been avoidable by the watch which it is suggested might have been set, for warning seems to have been given the moment the slip started and the comrades of those whose Jives were lost had time to make good their escape. Doubtless, careful watching in bad country would minimise risks, and when all is said and done such minimising is all that can be effected. But would it not be possible in extensive engineering work to suspend operations altogether upon dangerous ground during the wet weather when such slides are most likely to happen ? This would enable the engineer in charge to reduce the danger to a minimum and would give the workmen the protection of his scientific knowledge and technical skill, instead of leaving the matter in 'less proficient hands. For there is comparatively iittle reliance to be placed upon watchmen wearied with resultless looking, nor can Ave expect workmen themselves to be careful of risks which have become a part of their everyday life. . i