ARTHUR’S PASS TUNNEL.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 May 1923, Page 4

ARTHUR’S PASS TUNNEL.

PROGRESS OF THE WORK. AIR P. R. CLIMIE’S OBSERVATIONS. (Christchurch Press.) CHRISTCHURCH, May 20. AY hen seen shortly after his arrival from a visit of inspection to the Arthur's Pass tunnel, Air P. R. Climie, organiser for the Canterbury Progress LcagueTinformed a representative that nt present lie did not feel disposed to speak in other than general terms regarding the progress being made with the finishing off work in and about the tunnel, as he desired to give further consideration to the matter before making definite statements.

Regarding the work connected with the electrical equipment of the tunnel at Arthur’s’ Pass and at Otira, Mr Climie said that the sub-contractor expected to complete it in three or four weeks as far as the main track was concerned. While the work was certainly progressing it was difficult to say whether it was, or was not, progressing at a satisfactory rate. There was some evidence to show that the work was being hampered to a large extent through divided control and lack of systematic organisation of the several Departments concerned. While interference with one another s uoik

was unavoidable, there were numerous occasions where pre-arrangement between the various heads might have minimised, or avoided altogether, any interruption. These delays, taken singly, might not lie regarded as serious, hut in the aggregate they certainly represented a very great waste of time, and consequent expense. On arrival nt Otira Mr Cliinie was extremely astonished to find that the power house (which, with its equipment, is now complete', was still in the sole possession of the electrical contractor’s staff, and that not a solitary man from the Railway Department .which Department is to provide the permanent stall' of the power house) had yettaken up his duties. Xor had any ol the eight locomotive drivers arrived at Otira to undergo their training ill connexion with the operating ol the electric locomotives. “These men have already received a certain amount of tuition at Addington during the period that tho electric locomotives were being assembled,” said Air Cliinie, “hut they will require further training, extending over many weeks, before they will lie qualified to handle regulartraffic. The battery locomotive is now in operation, and Inis undergone very successful trials. Pending the 'drying out’ of the other electric locomotives, there seems no reason why the drivers should not he acquiring very useful experience by operating the battery locomotive.” From what lie observed if appeared tp Air Cliinie that the Railway Department’s delay in sending these men over to Otira might possibly cause added postponement of the opening of the tunnel. Have you arrived at any idea as to when the tunnel will he open for fluidic, Air Cliinie was asked. “Xu,” Mr Climie replied. “To do so would involve a careful study of t inofficial niirnl and of the altitude towards tin- undertaking of the two Government Departments concerned, and also of their relationship one to the other. The Railway Department, having control of the locomotive drivers

and power-house stall', would appear to hold the key of the position. The relicenf attitude of that Depart incut adds to the difficulty nt giving a definite reply to l lie quest ion.” Asked regarding the transport ol coal through the tunnel, in order to relieve the shortage now being experienced in Christchurch. Mr ( limnreplied that the possibility of such traffic on the main line appeared to he quite feasible in the course of tin- next three or four weeks. The handlin'', of such frp'fie vva.M he a valuable part oi the training of thvometi'e diivers. The .Minister of Public \Vorks i,.nl aileauy announced that it was his intention to make these trains as useful as possible at the earliest possible inoniein. Personally, he did not see ally reason why part of the testing of the locomotive drivers could not lie carried out in connexion with the transport ot coal through the tunnel. There was however, a rather impotrauf question to he investigated, and that was whether the Railway Department had sufficient rolling stock at present j.-, efficiently eopo with any large volume of sue!) Ira Hie.

THE AUDI,AND LINE. REPAIRING FLOOD DAMAGE. Regarding the arrangements made on the Alidiand line in connexion with the damage done by the floods, Air P. R. Climie, organise for the Progress League, informed a reporter last night i hat lie had been agreeably surprised by their completeness in so short a time. At Olnrama the line lias been deviated into the hill in order to avoid I lie washout. Although ibis work was not in a permanent condition, it was sufficiently so to enable the train to pass over it at slow speed. Regarding the more seriouX washout on the Avnca side of the No. 9 tunnel, a temporary striu-iure had been already thrown across the gap; this structure consisted of several columns of piled sleepers. The manner in which this work had been effected reflected a considerable amount of credit on the District Engineer. Mr A. J. AfcCredie, and the staff under his control. The inconvenience cae.sc-d to passengers was extremely slight, as it was only a question of walking about 50 yards, or less, from one train to the other, a temporary footbridge having been erected over the gap. Mr Climie understands that there is a possibility of through train connexion with Arthur’s Pass being resumed tomorrow, or on Tuesday at latest.