OTIRA TUNNEL

Hokitika Guardian, 5 March 1920, Page 3

OTIRA TUNNEL

TELEGRAM TO HON J. G. COATES. The following is a copy of a telegram sent to the new Minister of Public Works by Mr P. R. Climie, Organiser of the Progress League:—“The Canterbury Progress League desiies to congratulate you upon your imp:. •• ant appointment to the Ministry of Public Works, and expressts the hope that your administration will p’-o »«• successful. The League takes ibis early opportunity of soliciting .;•< ur interest and active support in tbc ins* , ter of the Midland Railway. 't e construction of this great national work is proceeding at a snail’s pace, to the ; obvious detriment of Canterbury tied .

Westland, and of tlie general body of taxpayers, who are losing about ;■ thousand pounds a week in interest upon unrenuinerative capital expended, and are losing through the progress of the districts concerned being retarded. This line was commenced more than thirty years ago, so that my League feels that you will agree that it is high time it was finished. The Progress League looks to you to shake up the dry bones of your Department, and sec to it, to the utmost of your powers, which are large, that an advanced policy is instituted for the speedy completion of the (Rira tunnel section of the Midland Railway. In an unfinished condition the line is costing Dominion taxpayers a thousand pounds per week. My League invites your attention to the following important facts: —The total cost of railways under construction—that is, unopened lines—is in round figures three millions. Of this total the Midland Railway represents nearly onefourth, Yet during last December, according to monthly abstract of'* statistics, less than five per cent of the staff employed by your Department was engaged on the Otira-Beajey section of the Midland Railway. My League submits, with due respect, but not without emphasis, that this policy is obviously both unjust and wasteful and the League looks to you, sir, a new Minister, untrammelled by the bad precedents and traditions qf your predecessors, to inaugurate an era of real progress, efficiency, qnd national economy. The Mjdland Railway provides you with a unique and magnificent opportunity,’'’