RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION

Hokitika Guardian, 20 May 1931, Page 2

RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION

ANOTHER. STOPPAGE LIKELY

TAWA FLAT TUNNEL DEVIATION WELLINGTON, May 18. Thci'e tire signs that the Town Flat deviation work, temporarily suspended through tho tuilntellers’ dispute, may ho dropped by the Government during the period of economic difficulty. Support for this is provided by the way in which the permanent officers on this extensive job are being found duties elsewhere. The tuniiellers declined to accept the reduced rates fixed by the Government when the general cuts in salaries came into force. After the work had been at a standstill for about a fortnight, a conference between the men and Departmental officers resulted in the Minister of Public Works (the. Hon. W. B. Taverner) offering a slightly inproved rate. When this was rejected, measures began t-o be taken suggesting that the Government was not anxious to continue the heavy expenditure involved in the employment of about 400 men, using expensive plant and material. A further reason for delaying the resumption of work on the tunnels, even if the men accepted the Government’s 'terms, is that the Railway Department has been instructed 1° make drastic revisions in the design of the new Wellington station, which is part- -of the complete- scheme. This will delay the construction of the terminal facilities, consequently a long suspension of the Tawa Flat section would prevent 'completion of the deviation before it- can be economically utilised.