OTIRA TUNNEL

Hokitika Guardian, 26 March 1919, Page 1

OTIRA TUNNEL

The following telegram was scut by the Hon. G. W. Russell on Monday to: the Minister of Public Works: —“Large and influential deputation waited on me this morning regarding Otira tunnel. They raised the question as to whether Mr Parry has submitted a scheme for the electrification of tunnel, and "urged if this has not been done that a report should, if possible, be obtained from him 'before his departure from New Zealand. Will you kindly wire mo what the position is?’’ -Sir Wm. Fraser replied as follows: — “Mr Parry submitted to Engineer-in-Chief some time ago four distinct schemes for electrifying Otira tunnel. As Railway Department will have, to work the tunnel when finished the decision as to which scheme will he vdopted will he largely with that Department. No decision lias yet been arrived at, but 1 am assured that no delay will occur from this cause, I gave those particulars to Mr Holland, president of the Otira League, about a week ago.”

An affinity between the completion of the Arthur’s Pass tunnel and tho promotion of public health was established by the Non. CJ. W. Russell in the course of his reply to a deputation wliic waited on him at Christchurch on Monday. The Minister said that a great deal of difficulty of building adequate bouses for the population of the country, thus avoiding slums, was caused by the enormous increase in the price of timber, and anything that would connect Canterbury with the large timber districts of the "West Coast must command the consideration of the Government. The absolute necessity for railway carriage was emphasised in the most glaring manner recently when it was ascertained that the freight by sea to the West Coast had increased by 71 per cent., and notice was given of a further rise. Mr Goss, remarking on the relief that would be given to Lyttelton harbour as soon as through communication was effected, stated that average quantity of timber from the West Coast to Lyttelton from 191-1 to 1917 averaged 15 million feet per year, and the saving on haulage by rail would be 3s a 100 superficial feet, or £22,500 per annum, while the extra revenue to the Department would be Is 9d a hundred feet, or £13,125 a year. The Minister asked whether Mr Goss was hearing in mind that water eairiage was much cheaper than railway haulage. . Mr Goss said that he was merely stating the present position. The average railage from the mills to Greymouth was Is 2d, the freight to Lyttelton was 4s. insurance lid, and radage to Christchurch from Lyttelton Is Old. a total of 6s od, as against the railway rate for 147 miles of 3s Bd. The present loss on coal by handling was 2s a ton. This would be eliminated, while coal could be sold ex-truck at Christchurch. Firewood could also be trucked from the AVcst Coast.