MR. FRASER IN THE SOUTH.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1732, 24 April 1913, Page 6

MR. FRASER IN THE SOUTH.

OTIRA TUNNEL INSPECTED. (By holograph.—Proes Ai&oolatlon.) Christchurch, April 23. The Hon. W. leaser, Minister for Publio Works, travelled from Lyttelton to Cass by train yesterday and traversed tho railway line under construction from Cass to Beale.v Flat with tho Knginoer-in-Chief and tho Resident Engineer. Ho then went by buggy to Otira Tunnel, arriving at six o'clock. After dinner Ihe party entered the tunnel, going along right up to tho working face, two miles and four chains from the entrance, where they watchcd with interest tho drilling operations iu progress. Tho visit occupied over two hours. . . This morning a deputation 'from the West Coast Workers' Union- waited on tha Minister for several modifications of working conditions and increases in tho rates of pay. Mr. Eraser agreed to ullow forty minutes each day for men going to tho faces at Olirn, and ten minutes for the men at tho Bealey ond. He also agreed to pay ordinary overtime at time and a, quarter, and time and a half for Sundays or holidays. Tho Minister declined to authorise preference of employment for unionists. The minor requests will bo referred to the Resident Engineer. Mr. Fraser left Otira to-day for ICumara. He reaches Hokitika to-morrow and visits Ross and tho neighbourhood on Friday. He'afterwards visits Greymouth and Rcofton.