SUCCESSFUL SHOT.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 18831, 20 March 1931, Page 7

SUCCESSFUL SHOT.

BLASTING AT QUARRY. FALL OF 10,000 TONS. A total of 25001 b of blasting powder, costing approximately £l5O, was used at the Timaru Harbour Board’s quarry yesterday for the purpose of bringing down additional stone for use on the Eastern Extension. At about 5 o’clock yesterday morning many employees commenced the work of packing the drive into a face of rock on the Glen-iti side of the quarry, which appeared as if it would yield good results. Tunnelling was carried on until about 3.30 p.m., when everything was in readiness for the shot to be fired. Quite a number of people gathered in the vicinity of the quarry, and by four o'clock, the time for blasting the gathering was full of expectancy. “All clear,” was given and the fuse was ignited, the workmen responsible for this duty scurrying up the rear embankment with all possible speed. There was no roar or flying stone when the charge exploded, but with a dull report the face lifted, and collapsed in thousands of pieces. The country surrounding the face was shaken for some distance away. It was anticipated that some of the stone would fall into the gully below, and have to be recovered, but the shot was of such a clear nature that about only two blocks will have to be rescued by a crane. “I am very pleased at the results,” said Mr F. W. Clarke, engineer to the Harbour Board. He had anticipated that there would be about 10,000 tons of stone available, and a pleasing feature was that the size and quality were good. “I don't think there will be enough to complete the extension work,” Mr Clarke said, “but it should not require very much more.”