OTIRA TUNNEL.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 July 1922, Page 1

OTIRA TUNNEL.

DELAY IN OPENING. WELLINGTON, July 4 In- reply to ti question in the House by Air Seddon (Westland) to the Minister of Public AYorks asking for a statement showing wliat material for Otira Tunnel was lost in the wreck of the Wiltshire, wliat delay in the completion of the tunnel would Ire caused thereby, and how soon produce and passengers luggage would be railed through, the Hon J. G, Coates replied: It cannot he stated definitely when the work will be finished. Of the tWo main turbo-gen-erators, one is expected to arrive in July. This set lias been partially tested in England, and further tests will ho required at the site. The second turbogenerator should follow the first at an interval of about a month, if all goes well with the tests at the manufacturers’ works. Locomotives have been held up for some months by the lockout, hut I understand the men have been hack at work for about a month now, and according to reports from the Inspecting Engineer, the first locomotive may he here in October, and the balance by the end of November. The erection of the boilers is well in hand, but a great quantity of accessories went down in the AYiltsliirc. This material lias been reordered, and Babcocks estimate that from six to eight working weeks are required to complete the manufacture of the lost material. According to this estimate it should he possible to get steam on in December, but Babcocks’ agents, are endeavouring to expedite the replacing of this material, hut it looks as if the best that could he done, would lie to gain a few weeks enabling possibly one boiler to be got under steam in November. 1 estimate that from the time steam is available, two or three months will he occupied in trials at the rite of the power house plant and locomotives,, so I cannot hold out hopes of traffic being carried liefore February or more probably Afarch. The overhead work on the main line and the supply of condensing water to the power house, it is anticipated, will he both completed alu-ad of the power house equipment and locomotives, though both are dependent on arrival of material from England. Laying of the permanent way including the permanent bridge over the Bealev ii\oi, is well in hand, and it is not anticipated that there will ho any delay from this cause. Permanent cottages for the stall' are also under construction, and some are already nearing completion. Representations have also been made lor the conveyance of produce, etc., through the Otira tunnel, and tlie -Minister stated that lie hoped to allow produce and pigs to he conveyed through tlie tunnel from Otira to Arthur s lass after the middle of September next. No more than throe hours per week can he spared for running this traffic, amt arrangements will therefore require to he made with the Resident Engineer at Grevmouth, so that the work ol construction will not he interfered with to anv great extent. .