IS ARAPUNI SAFE?

Waikato Times, Volume 105, Issue 17621, 28 January 1929, Page 6

IS ARAPUNI SAFE?

The opinion expressed by Mr 11. M. Clirystall, a prominent consulting engineer of Christchurch, in our columns on Saturday, regarding the state of the dam at Arapuni, will revive the uneasiness felt in the district some time ago when a former chief of the Public Works Department made similar allegations. That uneasiness is not likely to be dispelled until the Minister has made his promised visit of inspection. Mr Chrystall formerly acted as consulting engineer to the Foundations Company, of London, one of the tendering firms, and his opinion is, therefore, based on an intimate knowledge of the country gained during residence at Arapuni over a fairly lengthy period, when investigating for the Foundations Company. While not desiring to be an alarmist, Mr Chrystall emphasises the need for an immediate assessment by the Government of the actual danger at Arapuni and also for adequate provision for warning the people in the danger zone in case of a rupture. His investigation of the diversion tunnel caused him a good deal of anxiety, on account of the inroads being made by water. Although, as outlined in our columns to-day, Mr T. Rabone, Public Works Engineer at Arapuni, discounts Mr Chrystall’s statement, and gives an assurance that there is no need for alarm, it is to be hoped that the Minister will waste no time, not only in making an inspection, but in letting the people know the exact position, and in taking whatever steps may be necessary to allay uneasiness and assure safety.

The suggestion made by Mr Chrystall that provision be made for warning people in case of a rupture may well be carried out immediately.