THE: MANGAHAO ENTERPRISE.

Otaki Mail, 13 September 1922, Page 3

THE: MANGAHAO ENTERPRISE.

MINISTER ON ITS PROGRESS.

Speaking during the inspection ol the Mangahao works by the Parliamentary party on Monday, the Minister for Public Works said there had been quite a number of people criticising what was going on at the works—but criticism was good. Everybody seemed to know far more about the undertaking Than Mr Dinnie, the chief engineer. Touching on another point, the Minister stated:— "There are unavoidable delays, and we do get them. Any loss ol lime which takes place now and in the l'uture wo cannot catch up. We have people saying that the job will not be ready till PJ2s—well, let them keep on talking, it is not worth

while answering them.” In this connection Mr Coates referred to the many questions asked in the House of Representatives, and, ! continuing, said that the members ol the party had had that day an opportunity of seeing one or two of the difficulties which confronted those in charge of the work, -especially with regard to the foundation lor the dams.

At Arapeti, for instance, in place of hard rock the engineers were striking soft spoil, and although they had made boYes to a considerable depth they had not yet reached the solid base required. ORIGINAL ESTIMATES OUT.

"This is," he commented, “ a singular case in this particular job, in winch the original estimates have been completely thrown out, because the surveys (maxle previously) did not reveal what was underground. Ail this means extra cost and extra time. We cannot avoid it. Those who go down to Mangahao to-day will see something there, too, hut not to the same extent.”

Continuing, the Minister said that the prospects were quite encouraging, ami alluding to the question as to whether the scheme would be completed to lime, he remarked:—

"All I can say is that, if it is possible, it is in tlie hands of the men who can do it. I would tell you much more accurately if you could tell us where the rock is at the bottom of the foundation for this dam.”

Later, the Minister, after referring to other phases of tho scheme, concluded by stating that the indications were that it would be Unished by the end of 1923. He reiterated, however, ttiat it was important to remember there was always in an undertaking of this nature the contingency of unforeseen and unavoidable delays, such as had already been experienced.