THE MIDLAND RAILWAY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2125, 6 July 1907, Page 3

THE MIDLAND RAILWAY.

AN EXPENSIVE TUNNEL. (Special to Times.) WELLINGTON, last night. The Midland Railway deputationists: did not get a very sympathetic reply from, the Acting Minister for Public Works, Mr. McGowan, today.. It has leaked out that the tenders received for the great tunnel at Arthur’s Pass are all far above the engineer’s estimate. This tunnel is likely tp be a regular sink for public money.if it is ever attempted. It is to be'between five and six miles long, so that it will be by. far the biggest engineering feat of its kind ever attempted in the colony. The Engineer’s estimate for it is considerably over half a million sterling, and the tenders apparently are so far above that sum that the Government cannot think of accepting even the lowest of them. It will also be out of the question for the Government to undertake the work itself, seeing that the plant for it, which would cost about £150,000, would be practically of no use to the colony afterwards. It is understood that McLean Bros, and one British firm are amongst the tenderers for this work. Though the deputation that waited on the Minister was supposed to be unanimous in its desire fer the completion of the work, I understand that at least two members of it (both Canterbury men) who did not speak, think it would be folly to undertake tho work at present. Apart altogether from the tunnel, there is some extremely costly.bridging and construction work to be done between Broken River and the Cass. The general opinion seems to he that there is little chance of the completion of the line for many years to come. I hear that the members of the deputation are not satisfied with the Minister’3 reply, and that they intend holding another meeting with > the view of waiting upon the PremlThe Midland Railway Deputation to the Premier this evening regarding the' prosecution of the Midland railway was somewhat more successful than in their interview yesterday with Mr. McGowan. ~ Sir Joseph Ward, after hearing the speaker, said the country was committed to the construction of the railway and it would have to be carried through. Regarding the tunnel, one of the fenders was from an English firm, and if the tenderers complied with the conditions stipulated by the colony the tender might be accepted. He was making inquiries from tho High Commissioner and could say no more until .lie had obtained particulars. Tho Government would have to be very careful with such an important work and they could not borrow beyond a certain sum per annum for such a work, especially when they had seven or eigth other uncompleted lines on hand. He would, however, do his best in the matter.

Press Association. WELLINGTON, last night. The Canterbury, Westport and Nelson members in both branches of the Legislature, held a meeting to-day to consider matters in connection with the Midland railway Mr. Guinness, who presided, said that Monday last was the day fixed for receiving tenders for the construction of the tun- j nel at Arthur’s Pass and members desired to urgo on tho Government, the absolute necessity of accepting a tender for the work. . . Mr R. McKenzie saul in answer to a question, that the estimated cost of the tunnel was £034,000. After considerable discussion, members formed themselves into a deputation and waited on the Acting Minister for Public Works. It was pointed out that an enormous amount ot roney had been spent nt each end of t.ic railway and'it would be little or no use until the tunnel was made. The Minister, in replying, said a very expensive work was to bo done at Broken River. Tenders had been sent in but the Government had not yet accepted one. He also understood tenders for the Arthur’s Pass tunnel were unsatisfactory, being too high, but he was not prepared to say now, whether tho Government, would accept one of them. Up to tho present the total expenditure on the railway had been £876,706, of which £139,522 was spent last year. Mr. Gowan added that the representations of the deputation would bo placed before the Cabinet.