ARTHUR'S PASS TUNNEL.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 February 1918, Page 1

ARTHUR'S PASS TUNNEL.

AGITATION FOB COMPLETION.

ACTION IN CANTERBURY

Following the recent visit to the Arthur’s Bass Tunnel Works, organised by the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, it. would appear that a very lively interest in the early completion of the tunnel has been aroused on the E.QSt side of the range. FIi s Worship the Ma yor of Christchurch is co-operating with the Canterbury Chamber of 'Commerce in assisting to direct public attention to the work, and organising an agita-N lion for direct appeals to the Government in regard to pushing the work through. The Mayor of Christchurch has written to the Westland Chamber of Commerce as follows: “For your information I am enclosing cony of a circular I have issued in connection with a meeting to be held at the City Council Chamber, here, on Wednesday the 13th., instant at "3 p.m. and'l should feel very pleased ,if von could lie present. “If unable to attend,, an expression of your opinion,in writing to read to the meeting, would be very welcome, to show the Government that both Canterbury and Westland are united in this matter.

“T think it would lie of very great advantage if a similar meeting lie held in vonr town.”

(Copy of Enclosure.) “As you ary no doubt aware, representatives of the Oantcrbry Chamber of Commerce and of the West Coast Chambers met at the Arthur's Pass Tunnel on the 30th. ultimo for the purpose/ of inspecting the work. In the evening a meeting was. held at the Otir.n when resolutions were unanimously adopted urging tile Government to accelerate the work as the delegates were firmly convinced that it is not being vigorously prosecuted and will still take several years to complete although the two headings in the tunnel are only separated by a. few chains. “A meeting of members of Parliament of representatives of Local authorities' in the Christchurch district and of ihe Chamber of Commerce, industrial and Employees’ (Associations, Trades and •Labonr .Council and others will be held in the City Council Chamber at 8 p.m. on "Wednesday, the 13th. instant, to receive the report, from the delegates and to consider, what further steps should be taken to hasten tile completion of this national undertaking. I sincerely trust your Chamber will he well r core sen ted. Tin’s is a matter of paramount importance to both Canterbury and the IVest Coast and it is hoped that there will be a very large and enthusiastic meeting.” The Westland Chamber of Commerce lias replied as follows to the above:—-

“I have tho honour to acknowledge with thanks your kind invitation extended to this Chamber to attend the important meeting you have convened for Wednesday night relative to the Arthur’s Pass Tunnel Works. A prior engagement to meet the National Effici,enecy Commissioner on his first visit to the district to-morrow, precludes .the possibility of any member of the Executive crossing over by Tuesday’s service. The Mayor of Boss is at present on the East Coast and an endeavour is being made by telegram to get in touch with Air Grimmond and ask him to represent the Chamber at the meeting. “Tn regard to the late meeting at OtiVa, I was asked by Mr Mnrriuer to ityansmit the. resolutions adopted to the three Ministers mentioned in chief motion. T did so in due course, and now for vour information I enclose copies of the replies received. It would be of interest no doubt if the replies were communicated to the meeting, as the Minister of Public Works in bis reply appears to be so definite ion the point.that what lie considers the host, is now being done. This information would be a useful starting point for any action at Wednesday’s meeting to'decide on further steps to enlighten the Government generally both as to the need and the method which progress may he accelerated. “I desire to say, in" conclusion, that I am sure the West Coast will welcome the prompt action taken by yourself in focussing public attention on completion of operations. Anything that can be done to co-operate on tins side will be taken up readily, and following up your suggestion a public meeting will be held here, no doubt, to endorse and support your action. The Midland Railway will more than justify itself once the Alps are pierced and through traffic possible. If only it were available now, what an enormous saving it would be to the Dominion if the transports and warships could he coaled at Lytte ton by trucks direct from the pit-month instead of by the present costly means of sea transit, frequent handling auc deterioration ! The business view of this great national work appears to be that the railway connection East and West linked no, instead of being a source of considerable draining expenditure and increasing interest paymen s on unreproduetive expenditure, the line will prove from the very outset revenue producing and profit earning; tins npar, from the great volume of trade and intercourse which will be set up «C: diatelv between both sides of tlie South Island, and by that flow of prosperity, afford the means of increasing the pro vincial development which will assist to check, if it does help to recover the tendency more or less marked of population and trade drifting northwards. “This Chamber trusts you will be able to organise a helpful meeting towards the main issue in" mind, and that achieved, the people will have increased confidence jind hopefulness in looking forward to the immediate future in store for them and the fortunes of the country round about them.”

(Enclosures.)

from the prime minister. ( “I am in receipt of your letter of the 2nd. instant and have to thank von- for your resolution passed at the joint meeting of representatives of the Canterbury, Westland and .Greymouth Chambers of Commerce, expressing lyiprei inf ion of the manner in which the Arthur’s Pass railway tunnel works are being prosecuted, and urging a speedy completion of the railway.

“It was with pleasure that I received the opinion of the delegates as to the prospects of the line as a revenue producer when through traffic is possible.

“T note what you say as to the need for more men to expedite the work, and also in regard to the provision of motive power for. working the trains through the funnel.

“the Hon. Minister of Public’Works will no doubt be interested in the contents of your letter and I am therefore bringing it under his notice.” FROM FINANCE MINISTER.

.“[ nin in receipt of your letter of the 3rd. instant in reference to the meeting of delegates from the Chambers, of Commerce of Canterbury, Westhuul, and Greymouth at Otirn recently and the representations you convey from the delegates concerning,the Arthur's Pass Tunnel works will have my careful consideration.” FROM MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS.

“T am in receipt of your letter of the 2nd instant, regarding the prosecution of the work at Otirn tunnel. and have to thank you for the tenor of the resolution from the various Chambers oi Commerce you refer to. This work is having my earnest attention as I realise its importance, but it is impossible to proceed more rapidly with it under present abnormal conditions.”