THE OTIRA TUNNEL.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 334, 22 October 1908, Page 4

THE OTIRA TUNNEL.

PROGRESS OF CONSTRUCTION WORKS. (ill' TliLKGltiril—l'Ur.3S ASSOCIATION.) , Chrlstchurch, October 21, Tho Otira correspondent of the " Press" writes stating-that at the tunnel works Che stream, of'water has kept steadily rushing into tho drive, and has considerably retarded the progress of tho work, tho average penetration per day being reduced to about five feet. Tho men aro still working tho six-hour shift. A slight difference recently occurred with one shift about half an hour for "crib," which delayed tfio work for 24 hours. Mr. Dennio could not grant this, but -told a deputation that waited upon him that the men could find time to have a snack so long as the machines were not stopped, and this was mutually agreed to. There was no strike thought of, and tho parties who were > dissatisfied drew thoir timo and left! Since this occurred fair progress has been made, and tho wet may possibly be cut tlirough, and eight-hour shifts resumed at an early date, Tho erection of poles to .carry tho cables distributing the electrical energy generated at tho power station at the foot of Holes Creek to the main switch board, which is placed in tho compressor house, closo to tho tunnel mouth, is going on apace. The intact at tho top of Holes Creek is practically finished, the floodgates and stop valve have been placed in position, and probably the laying of tho wooden pipes (this being the commencement of the pipo line) may commence early this week. The relations between contractors and the men employed are at present amicablo. Tho contractors have offered a bonus' of £1 per foot for every foot driven over 132 feet per fortnight, tlio bonus to be divided pro rata. The stipulated distance has nearly beoii attained, and would havo been exceeded but for the sudden rush of water. The portion of the railway stretching from tho Otira terminus to tho beginning of the contract work is being, done by co-operative labourers. This work is now almost completed, and the first batch of surplus workers havo left hero for Coal Creek. At the end of the year tho track will in all probability bo completed, and goods will be conveyed above Otira Station to the contractors' storo by rail. ■