OTIRA TUNNDEL.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 January 1923, Page 2

OTIRA TUNNDEL.

PROGRESS OF WORK. [Hi' TULKUHAPU celt Pit ESS association] CTIRI.STCTIURI.TI, Jan. It A reporter was informed that the iu ll uel and railway between Pass and Otira Gorge willn probably Tie completed ami ready for opening about. -May. When the work was first put in hand it was estimated that it ufflTftt be ready for use by the end of 1922, but possibly the difficulties to he overcome were underestimated, and ill some instances machinery arid material have not come to hand ns quickly as was expeeied. The e oik now going on is puliimfc in overhead control, trolley wires, nTt-i.-diing nil the power house and getting hr permanent yards dune at each end : <he runnel. There is also the HoiI.v wire to go through the tunnel. Tlia fixing oi the trolley wires is a long job because of tlie holes which have to be drilled in the concrete every few feet. With the opening of the tunnel ii - i'keiy thai the Arthur’s’ Pass load will fail into disuse, or he closed down. The, old conch which has been a fen;ui e iT this part of the country for many years past will lx 1 so little ill demand that it will probably stop runni ig. and if the road is leit unattended for about a year it will become practically impassable. Although the scenery at Arthur's Pass is regarded as very beautiful, it I- still more beautiful at ISuller Gorge, which is on the way to We.sipor!. so that the loss ol Otira Gorge will not I e so great!v felt. < HMSTCHITC- 11. Jan. 12. The first of the electric engines for I lie Otira Tunnel has been completely assembled at Addington Railway Work--hops. and the second engine is nearly completed.