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Hokitika Guardian, 4 January 1922, Page 2

Although there is much hopefulness 1 thnt the through railway east and west will be available for next summer traffic, the present time appears the most opportune to press for the speeding up of the work so that assurance may be made doubly sure. Not only is there anxiety that the outside work at both ends of the tunnel may not be ready, but there is some uncertainty about the progress of the electrification which is in the hands of an English contracting company. It is very essential that at this stage there should lie some authoritative statement as to the progress of the contract, and the regularity of the delivery of the necessary material for the electrification. Also the Government should be urged through its Public Works and Railways Departments to push on with tho exterior work. It is highly necessary ihat the power house should be completed as quickly as possible to avoid any delay in regard to the installation of the steam generating plant. The lay out of the stations at both ends of the tunnel should be pushed on with all vigor now at this the most favorable period of the year for work in that altitude. Also, the railway houses should be put in hand ere this. It is some weeks now since tenders closed for the settlement houses, but so far a contract has not been let. It will thus lie seen that unless a high speed is kept up, delays are likely to occur through the weather and unforseen circumstances—especially in the midwinter. The Progress League which lias taken such great interest in the work should concentrate more than ever on the completion. When Parliament re-assembles, the Public Works Statement will be one of the matters to be dealt with. If that document does not give a clear indication of the position as affecting the completion of the line within the year, the Canterbury and West Coast members should unite and urge the acceleration of the wo#k. Acting for the country as a whole the Progress League should at this stage more than any other time, give the fullest attention to the final speeding up of the works.