MANGAHAO TUNNELS.

Shannon News, 7 April 1922, Page 3

MANGAHAO TUNNELS.

PRICES OF NEW CONTRACIS LOWER.

As announced in this, journal last week, the Department of Public Works has now let contracts for the tunnels at Mangahao at prices lower than the old rates.

Most of the tunnellers at Mangahao dropped their tools when it was announced that their wages were to be reduced by one shilling per day, in accordance with the scheme of retrenchment approved by Parliament. One party Was working at No. 1 tunnel under a straight-out contract, and so was not affected by the statutory reduction in the wages of State employees. This, party remained at work, but the other tunnellers, who were working on the co-operative system, refused to accept the “cut” and stopped work at the. tunnels. Subsequently representatives of the striking tunnellers interviewed the Minister of Public Works (Mr Coates) and made various suggestions. But the conditions onwhich they were prepared to resume work would have involved an actual increase in the cost of the tunnels, and the Minister would not accept the proposals. He decided to call for tenders for the completion of the tunnels, and the Department did this some weeks ago. The work was divided into six contracts, and tenders were received f*r all of them from parties of tunnellers. The basis of the tenders was that the parties should do the work, the. Department providing plant and material. The successful tenderers are as follow: — No. 2 contract (No. 1 tunnel, 1622 ft to be completed), S. Nash and party, 51/ per foot, plus 5/ per foot for timbering, where timbering is necessary. No. 3 contract (No. 2 tunnel, 1332 ft), F. Birss and party, 74/ per foot, including timbering. No. 4 contract (No. 2 tunnel, adit 127 ft, curved tunnel 62ft, main tunnel 1400 ft), R. McGrath and party, adit 535, curved tunnel 45/, main tunnel 69/6 per foot, with timbering allowance of 4/6 per foot where timbering is necessary.

No. 5 contract (No. 2 tunnel, 600 ft), ■T. R. Hesp and party, 65/ per foot, plus 9/ for timbering where necessary.

No. 6 contract (No. 2 tunnel, 1000 ft), A. J. Roycroft and party, 65/ per foot, plus 5/ for timbering where necessary.

No. 7 contract (by-pass tunnel, Mangahao dam), F. Moran and party, main tunnel 50/ per foot, shaft 60/ per. foot, incline 40/ per foot, timbering included.

An exact comparison of the prices is difficult, owing to variation of conditions. In the case of No. 2 contract the previous price was 62/ per foot, plus 5/ for timbering. The new contract price is 54/ per foot, plus 5/ for timbering. The men may make better money than they did under the old arrangement, if they increase their pace. But the Department is saving money on the change of system.