OTIRA TUNNEL

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 283, 24 August 1920, Page 4

OTIRA TUNNEL

THE ELBCTBIC TEAINS. Tho Otira tunnel is within eight «J completion now, and the railway through tho tunnel has to be operated by electricity. In five miles of tunnel steam ongines fired by coal would be impossible. Tho Public Works Department has ben authorised by Cabinet to negotiate with the English Electrio Company for tho supply of material for the electrification of the tunuel. It should, bs explained that the electrification of th« tunnel will be in part the work of New, Zealand. The Publio Works Department will havo io supply the current. Tha intention is to provide a water produced current, with a eteam stand-by plant But there will bs. ©lectrio locomotives and other equipment to be supplied, and the Publio Works Department has been authorised to negotiate with an English company for the work. In considering the tenders several factors had to bo taken into consideration apart from tho price. It is understood that tho tenders from all tho competing companies wet* in tho neighbourhood of Tha successful tenderer will be required to have the machinery installed so that tha work of tho tunnel will not be delayed, and that the whole system will be in working within eighteen monthß.: It is understood that this stipulation in the 'contract will be'material.