OTIRA TUNNEL.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16165, 20 March 1918, Page 6

OTIRA TUNNEL.

THE DEPUTATION TO THE MINISTER. It was decided at last night's mealing of the Drainage Board that as many members as possible should attend the deputation to the Minister of Public Work s to urge upon liim the speeding up of the completion of tho Arthur's Pass Tunnel. Mr H. Holland (Mayor of Chri itchurch) said that he believed that the deputation would be one of the largest and most representative that had ever waited on a Minister of tile Crown in Canterbury. There would be representatives from as far south as \Vaimato and Timaru, and from the West Coast. The question was really a most important one. and he thougnt every man who could be present should attend, as a large attendance would be impressive. :\lr H. J. Otley: I think the best one to send a deputation to is tho boy who caused the strike! THE STRIKERS AND THE MINISTER. (PROM OT'K OWN CORRESPONDENT.) OTIRA, March IP. Since receiving the reply of the Min« ister of Public "Works, which they consider unsatisfactory, the Otira tunnel strikers are moro determined than ever to sot) the matter through. The deputation to the Minister of Public. Works left for Wellington via Christchurcli, to-day. They meet tho Minister early on Thursday morning. (SrECJATi T'J "TJTE PRESS.") WELLINGTON. March If). The Minister of Pubiic Works declines to make a statement about the .Otiva strike until lie has heard from the men all that they have to say about their grievances. A delegation from the union is to wait upon him oil Thursday morning, and either at that time, or soon afterwards, ho will be ready to make a statement.