THE ARAPUNI DAM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20171, 4 February 1929, Page 12

THE ARAPUNI DAM.

Sir—Apropos of an article anenfc' the Arapuni scheme published recently over the name of a Mr. Chrvstal. It mav be gome reassurance to timid soul?, to know that there are quite ;i number of workmen—mining men, tradesmen, etc.—who have worked on every detail of the scheme since the first pick was put in, and they are so convinced of its security and soundness, that, although they work under all sorts of conditions every'day, it. never enfers anyone's mind to doubt. Most of tho water that-Mr. Chrvstal saw in the tunnel was well known and provided for, before ever tho river was turned (men who pet wet through pay attention to where the water comes from), and that coming through tho valves themselves is only about ft tenth part- of what was expected, to mention that the tuniicl is to be- completely blocked after a certain specified period of observation. Again, the small weeps and seeps that. Mr. Chrystal men* tions in the dam and elsewhere had some curious working man s hand* and eyes poking into them, and are we L known and their good and proper behaviour observed and talked about. As for the rhyolito which Mr. (Jhrystal t-erms ashy, it. is one of the toughest of substances for a foundation,'or to bieak out, and costs more in sweat and " jelA 1 than material like quarts or granite, as Mr. Chrystal would know if he would handle » pick i* it. Again, the erosion caused by the waterfall: this is very little-, and is completely under the control of tho engineer in charge. Over and aboio which, when the turbines "arc -in operation, there will be little water flowing over the falls, and that, can be by-passed if desired. It is time that public opinion in New Zealand severely discountenanced this ceaseless girding and * l narking 99 «yi proposed-and accomplished schemes,-both public and private, It is well to -look before you leap, but many men appeal to bo alwavs looking and never leaping. The dam is there for anybody to see. Owing to the high banks of the river fo& very many miles below tho dam tho fon.o would bo expended, and no dancer incurred to the life of man or bcasi. even if anything should happen. There are scores" of sweating men proving m their own persons that they can trust their lives to the work of their own harins. And it will not be long before the juice is lighting Queen Street. What more clo people want.? Chant Pac-ak.