Tunnel closing

Press, 12 April 1979, Page 16

Tunnel closing

Sir, —I was surprised to see a photograph of the local M.P., Mrs A. Hercus, in the paper. She had every reason to smile, seeing that she had arrived at the tunnel early on the Friday afternoon when the heat was off. She was conspicuous by her absence during the week and only arrived after others had sorted the problem out.— Yours, etc., V. MAXTED. April 5, 1979. [Mrs Ann Hercus, the M.P. for Lyttelton, Replies: ‘‘Your correspondent seems concerned and perhaps would feel happier if he knew the following facts: First, I have been involved in ‘the tunnel problem’ ever since I was elected, as the workers and the general manager there will confirm. Indeed, on the Monday and Tuesday of the week in question, I had long discussions with the men concerned, and their trade union representatives, and sent a telegram to the Minister of Works, pointing out that time was Fanning out and asking him to act with all possible urgency — a request he sadly chose to ignore. Second, I »did not ar-

rive at the tunnel in the early afternoon, but in fact arrived in mid-morning, stayed for about three hours and did not leave until the assurance was received that the Minister’s negotiators were to fly to Christchurch. Third, I was absent from Christchurch on the Wednesday and Thursday, because I was in the Chathams, on electorate business. The tunnel workers knew where I was and why. Finally, I have been known to smile, occasionally. even under the most difficult circumstances. 1 don’t think there is a law against that — yet!”]