ELECTRICITY AND MINING.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LV, Issue 13877, 1 February 1909, Page 5

ELECTRICITY AND MINING.

CHRISTCHURCH, -Jan. 30. Mr Seddon, M.P., who is on his way to see Ministers regarding several matters in which his constituents' are interested, states that the contractors for the Arthur's Pass tunnel expect to have 700 men employed inland .about the tunnel at Otira and on the Bealey Flat. Arrangements are being made to obtain the services of a medical man for the district between Bealey Flat and Jackson's.. The workers' union agreed to a levy of 6d per member per week for the purpose, and Mr McLean (one of thecontractors) has guaranteed -P2O • With the Government subsidy this-* should be sufficient for the purpose mentioned. Mr Seddon intends uTgin" the Government to grant, the rights", for which application has been; made, to take water from the rivers for the purpose of generating electricity for mining operations. The railway construction between Broken llijer and the Pass is being pushed on, and so soon as the distance to be covered by coach is reduced, it is possible that arrangements can. be. made for passengers from the Coast connecting with the ferry boat at Lyttelton the same eventing ; and for passengers for the Coast from Wellington connecting with the Broken River train .from Christchurch. He expects that the Hokitika-Ross railway will be opened in about a niontn.