WESTLAND MATTERS.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 July 1922, Page 2

WESTLAND MATTERS.

SI'KOIAI, TO GUARDIAN

WELLINGTON, duly 10. \ representative of the “Guardian ’ <«w Hon. J. U. Coates to-day m reference to Waitangi Bridge contract. Ihe matter is still under review but it was gathered would be. decided favorably very shortly. The Hon. Minister expressed a desire to see the bridge put in hand as soon as possible, and a satisfactory announcement should be made on the matter at an early date. The Hon. Minister is considering the question of making a £ tor £ giant in respect to Adair’s road. In respect to the suggested nursery for the Forestry Department at Back Creek, it is understood the Mines Department is not disposed to sanction the transfer of the Tailing site reserve which was earmarked by an inspecting Forestry officer some little time ago. and to which, objection was taken by the soldier occupant of the laud and the Bilim Miners’ Association. Some alternative proposals have been put forward, including an area on the Hokitika racecourse, or perhaps better still the exploration for a suitable area within the 2,000 acre forestry reserve between Rimu and Lake Maliinapua. The delay in respect to the Otira tunnel opening is due to the loss of £6,000 worth of Babcock plant in the wreck of the Wiltshire. The lost material cannot, bo replaced quickly, as it has to be romumifactured. But for the loss of the indispensihle plant, the tunnel would have been in operation about midDecemlier under the control of the Public Works Department. Every effort is being made to have the lost material made good as quickly as possible. The Hon. Minister of Public Works was anxious from the first suggestion to rail the farmers’ perishable produce through the Otiia Tunnel as soon as possible. It is hoped to do so from September, setting apart three hours per week for the purpose. The question of general passenger and mail traffic through the tunnel at holiday time, while work inside the tunnel is suspended, lies been mentioned, but it is too soon vet to say whether the request could he complied with. It is admitted there is still a very large amount of work to l>e done at both ends to link up with the arterial line, and although there are as many men employed as possible, the end is far from within sight. A better opinion as to tlie probable completion time will bo formed in three months from now, when it will he known how much of the essential plant is available for a given time. _____