BIG ENGINEERING SCHEME.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2130, 12 July 1907, Page 4

BIG ENGINEERING SCHEME.

ARTHUR’S PASS TUNNEL. The Midland Railway deputationists did not get "a very sympathetic hearing from the Acting-M jnjster for Public Works, Mr. McGowan, last week. It has leaked out that the teudei's received for the great tunnel at Arthur's Pass are far above the engineer's estimate. This tunnel is likely to 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 tin' 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 linn are amongst the tenderers for this work.

Though the deputation that waited on tlie Minister was supposed to be unanimous in its desire for the completion of the work, it is understood that at least two members of it (both Canterbury men), who did not speak, think it would be folly to undertake the 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 Pass. Tho general opinion seems to l>V that there is little chnnco of tlie completion of the line for many years to come. It is stated that the members of the deputation are not satisfied with the Minister’s reply, and that thev intend to hold another meeting, with the view of waiting upon the Premier.