THAMES DEEP LEVELS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 299, 15 December 1908, Page 6

THAMES DEEP LEVELS.

COMMITTEE CANNOT DECIDE ROUTE. QUESTION REFERRED TO MINES DEPARTMENT. Another meeting of Thames Deep Levels Committee was held yesterday afternoon in Mr J. B. Sheath's office, where there were present Messrs. J. Dawson, W. McCullough, C. Hudson, and Graves Aicken.

The secretary read replies received from various companies, with regard to the proposal forwarded, that the route should be from the Queen of Beauty shaft to a point 50 feet N.B. of the Saxon shaft, and thence in a direct line to the Kurunui shaft, provided that the deepening of the Saxon, and the terminal shafts be part of the scheme. The Waiotahi directors stated they preferred the proposal better than the original scheme, but still claimed the proviso that it be imperative the money be available from the respective companies before the work be undertaken, also that a subsidy be granted by the Government of £ for £.

The directors of the May Queen Company did not see their way to accept the proposal, but the directors of the Saxon expressed approval of the route proposed. Other companies merely acknowledged the receipt of the communication.

The chairman said, as that scheme did not suit the companies generally, it would perhaps be better to consider Mr McCullough's scheme for a tunnel direct from the Queent of Beauty shaft to. the Big Pump shaft. Mr McCullough suggested that all the schemes be submitted to the Hon. the Minister of Mines with a request that he get the opinion of the officers of his department as to which route would be best in the interests of all concerned. He accordingly moved: "That the several routes suggested for the 1000 feet level drive be forwarded to the Hon. James MeGowan, Minister for Mines, with the request that he submit the same to the officers of the Mines Department for the opinion as to which is best in the interests of the mines concerned.

Mr. Hudson said he was quite in sympathy with Mr. McCullough's proposal to submit the decision of the route to impartial Government officers. It seemed impossible to get the representatives of the different companies to agree upon one particular route.

Mr. Aicken also supported the motion, stating that some time ago he had made a similar suggestion.

The motion was then adopted.

Mr. Dawson then moved, "That in the opinion of this meeting, the route should be from the Queen of Beauty shaft to the Big Pump shaft, with a slight deviation so as to bring it within 300 feet of the Saxon shaft."

Mr. McCullough said that any deflection would interfere with the flow of the water, and also with the ventilation. As they had decided to submit the matter to the Government, he it would be unwise for the committee to recommend any particular scheme, although it would be quite competent for Mr. Dawson to forward it as an alternative proposal for the consideration of the officers of the Mines Department.

The Chairman said that he did not wish to force any resolution ou the committee, but he wanted some scheme adopted which it would be possible for all the companies to join in. He might tell them at once that he did not think it would be- possible for his company to join in this proposal for a direct route.

The motion was then dropped. Mr. Hudson pointed out that section six of the Act made it absolutely certain that before a Government subsidy could be obtained the money from the various companies must be available.

Chairman: "Available" does not mean that the money must be put up beforehand.

Mr. McCullough pointed out that the directors of the Victoria Company had intimated their willingness to go in for a scheme. The Waiotahi had the money in hand, so had the Kuranui-Caledonian, and the Saxon had plenty to call up from people who would pay. He then moved, "That until the opinion of the officers of the Mines Department is received on the question of the route, this committee proceed to discuss the financial arrangements for construction of the drive, the organisation and constitution of a board of management, to which shall be committed full control of the undertaking."

The Chairman said that until the route was determined the Committee could do very little.

Mr. Aicken: It is doubtful if the Saxon and Victoria would come into a direct route scheme. The only time there was unanimity was when we met the mine managers at the Thames.

Mr. McCullough: If the Government officers submit a route, and it does not exactly suit you, won't you adopt it? Mr. Aicken: Certainly not.

Mr. McCullough: I can tell you that public opinion will not allow the Saxon and Victoria to interfere with the carrying out of such an important work. Mr. Aicken: Will public opinion pay the calls?

Chairman: Gentlemen, I must interfere. This is becoming a dialogue. iMr. Hudson seconded the motion, which was then adopted, and Mr. McCullough promised to forward to the chairman suggestions for submission to the committee on the lines of his motion.