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C.5.0. 1/437/10c
14
Hon. C. S.
In accordance with H.E.'s verbal instructions I forward
a report prepared by Mr. Feltham on the recent collapse at
Government House. A short report by Mr. Pearce, D.D.P.W. (Defence)
on the state of the A.R.P. tunnels in the vicinity of Government
House is also attached.
2. Although the tunnels themselves shew no signs of
movement, it is quite apparent that their construction has distrubed
the stability of the ground in their vicinity.
3.
In addition to the movement at Government House and in
the grounds, surface cracks have developed near the C.S.0.
Building and P.W.D. Annexo, and there is cause for suggesting
that owing to the tunnel construction & surface slide or movement
has developed between Government House and Battery Path Steps.
4. It may be of interest to record that about 10 years ago
during the construction of the large covered service reservoir
situated in the Public Gardens about 150 yards south of Government
House considerable trouble and extra expense was incurred due to
an unaccountable movement of the ground under the foundations of
the north west corner of the reservoir. The only conclusion
arrived at at the time was that the area was not very stable and
that the disturbance caused by sinking the wall foundations and
increasing the loading had caused movement. During the construction
of this reservoir, the impression gained was that the Botanical
Gardens area mainly consisted of a centuries old heap of detritus
which had originally come down from near Victoria Gap.
5. Meantime, I agree with Mr. Fltham that as a safety
measure, and in order to Eghten the load on the foundations of the
north wall of Government House, the whole of the first floor
verandah should be removed. While that is being done consideration
of the problem of rendering the house habitable will be given
and a further report submitted.
(sd.)
A. B. Purves
D.P.W.
6.6.41.