MANGAHAO TUNNEL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2415, 8 April 1922, Page 1

MANGAHAO TUNNEL.

CONTRACTS LET.

Following the refusal of tunnellers working at Mangahao to accept the retrenchment cut in wages, the Public Works Department called for straightout lenders for the work. The contractors are to do the work, and the Department will provide the plant and material. Tenders have now been accepted as follows: —No. 2 contract (No. 1 tunnel, 1,622 ft.), to be completed, S. Nash a*nd party, 54s per foot, plus 5s per foot for timbering, where timbering is necessary. No. 3 contract No. 2 tunnel, 1,332 ft.). F. Birss and party, 74s per foot, including timbering. No. 4 contract (No. 2 tunnel, adit 127 ft., curved tunnel 62ft., main tunnel 1,400 ft.), B. McGrath and party, adit 535, curved tunnel 455, main tunnel 60s 6d per foot, with timbering allowance of 4s Od per foot where timbering is necessary. No. 5 contract (No. 2 tunnel, 600 ft.), .T. R. Hesp and party, 65s per foot, plus 9s for timbering' where necessary. No. 6 contract (No. 2 tunnel, 1,000 ft.), A. J. Royeroft and party, 65s per foot, plus 5s for limbering where necessary. No. 7 contract (by-pass tunnel, Mangahao dam), F. Moran and party, main tunnel 50s per foot, shaft 60s per foot, incline 40s per foot, timbering included. It is impossible to compare the prices with those formerly paid, as the work has been divided on a different plan, but it is stated that the Department will bo in a better position than under the co-operative contract system.