ARAPUNI.

Waikato Times, Volume 108, Issue 18158, 24 October 1930, Page 6

ARAPUNI.

When members of the Labour Party criticise a scheme which would provide for the employment of a considerable amount of skilled and unskilled labour one has perforce to pay attention. When Professor Hornell’s report on Arapuni was under discussion in the House of Representatives Mr Coates considered it a complete vindication of the Reform Party’s venture and took the opportunity to make a series of insinuations. Members of the Labour Party took an opposite view and strongly stressed the contention that Cabinet should have the question of Arapuni investigated thoroughly again in the light of the criticism offered. An Independent, Mr Fletcher, pointed out that Professor Hornell said the dam was leaking and needed strengthening, and at the same time admitted he did not know the extent of the leaks or their location, yet talked about grouting them, The whole proposal Mr Fletcher characterised as a gamble, and stated that the people of the Waikato had good cause for alarm. Further to this the Hamilton Borough Council engineer has pointed out that.it is to be noted that Arapuni is only 40 miles in a direct line from one of the major geological fault lines in New Zealand and that the omission of this aspect—the danger from earthquakes—from the soope of Professor Hornell’s inquiries was regrettable. In view of the trouble Hamilton has experienced in the past, due to the Arapuni operations, he felt sure that the Hamilton Borough Council would be wise to seek an assurance from the Government that the Council would be fully recompensed for all damage done should any further trouble occur. This advice the Council decided to adopt.. It would seem, judging by the foregoing, that there is still misgiving as fo the wisdom of expending further large sums on the Arapuni works, without further investigation—despite the favourable report of Professor Hornell who is recognised as one of the leading authorities' of his time on the matters referred to him for consideration.