THINKS MISTAKE HAS BEEN MADE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19258, 20 December 1930, Page 2

THINKS MISTAKE HAS BEEN MADE.

MEMBER CONCERNED AT ARAPUNI RESTORATION. (Special to the " Star.”) AUCKLAND. December 19. The decision of the Government concerning the restoration of Arapuni is strongly criticised by Mr J. S. Fletcher, M.P. for Grey Lynn, in a wireless message he has dispatched from the Monowai, now en route to San Francisco, to the Hon W. B. Taverner, Minister of Public Works. In his reply to Mr Fletcher the Minister gives further details of the remedial measures adopted. Mr Fletcher said: “ The ship’s wireless news states that Cabinet has decided to proceed with Arapuni repairs, and also that Professor Hornell’s proposals are to be modified. If the Hornell scheme is sound, why allow the engineers responsible for the original failure to modify it? If the Hornell scheme is unsound, what justification is there for spending another half-million? I desire to state that the decision, in my opinion, is a grave mistake.” The Minister to-day sent the following reply to Mr Fletcher: “Your telegram regarding Arapuni is to hand. For your information I desire to state that the repair work now commencing at Arapuni is as recommended by Professor Hornell, but that it has been further elaborated by my department with my full knowledge and approval. This elaboration principally consists of extensive concreting at the point of erosion below the spillway dam, known as the Falls, which Professor Hornell regarded as requiring only palliative treatment. The head-race lining is on Professor Hornell’s specification, with the exception that the side protection works are modified by splaying the walls in lieu of a vertical supporting structure. The proposals include duplicate control of gates in the diversion tunnel and extensive boring and pressure grouting of the hill, all of which are Professor Hornell’s recommendations. I feel perfectly confident that the work as outlined is sound policy.”