SCIENTISTS AT ARAPUNI.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20598, 24 June 1930, Page 8

SCIENTISTS AT ARAPUNI.

The despatch of a scientific party to Arapuni to amplify the investigations already made by the Government Geologist is a step in the right direction. There has been a welter of rumours, and a great deal of loose talk has been indulged in concerning the position there. Common sense suggests that only expert opinion is of any real value, and that it can be formed only after detailed investigation on the spot. The scheme has been discussed extensively and condemned in somo instances by people whose qualifications to pronounce on it are, to put it most mildly, rather shadowy. The engineers, while in a position to give any information at all, were quite frank about what, had happened on the surface, and what, in their opinion, might have to be done to meet the .position. All such views were given with the reservation that the. results of a complete, geological examination were necessary before any final decisions could be made. Considering the emphasis laid on this factor, to strengthen Dr. Henderson's hand by associating other highly-qualified scientists with him in the task is a sound move. It is -as well, too, to have opinions other than thoso of officials who have already been closely associated with the Arapuni scheme. If this more intensive survey of the position is made as quickly as is consistent with thoroughness, if the public is told frankly and immediately what the result is, there will then bo some chance of forming an opinion of the position and the prospects. Until then, it would be as well if all people with a sense of responsibility decided to suspend judgment on Arapuni.