TUNNEL MOVING

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 25029, 20 October 1944, Page 4

TUNNEL MOVING

UNSTABLE HILLSIDE SOUTH ISLAND MAIN TRUNK (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Thursday "Observations ■which have been made at "what is known as 'Three R' tunnel, a 6hort tunnel just south of Oaro, the present southern terminus of the South Island main trunk line, indicate that the tunnel is moving bodily with the country toward the sea," said the Minister of Works, Mr Semple, tod|y. "Intense pressure is being developed as a result of this movement and obvious distortion of the tunnel is taking P^ aCe * , , ,• . xt "The country through which the tunnel is constructed and the country in the vicinity are very unstable and have been giving the department concern for some time. "A conference of ofheers of the Works Department and the Railway Department and myself was held this morning, and in the interests of public safety it was decided to stop traffic on this section of the line and revert to the use of buses between Hundalee and Kaikoura until a thorough investigation of the position has been made,' added the Minister. "A geologist is examining the country, and his report is expected almost immediately. In addition, the railway inspecting engineer is on the spot, and I intend to make a personal inspection as soon as possible. "Owing to the diverse nature of the country, heavy reinforced concrete sections varying in thickness from lit om to 2ft Gin were used in this tunnel, so that the present situation cannot be attributed to bad construction. Wo class of construction can stand up to bodily movement of a hillside, which is what has occurred here." Mr Semple added that a further statement would be made when it was definitely known what steps were necessary to safeguard the position adequately. Oaro is 111 miles south of Blenheim bv road and 107 miles from Christchurcli.