ECONOMY IN EXPENDITURE.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 53, 2 March 1916, Page 7

ECONOMY IN EXPENDITURE.

OTIRA PEOPLE UNEASY. STATEMENT BY MINISTER. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Wednesday. A deputation representing the workers at Otira waited on the Hon. W. Fraser. Minister for Public Works, to-day, to ask whether work at the tunnel is to be stopped. The speakers said indications pointed to a stoppage of the work, and the men, as well as the business people, were "naturally anxious. The Minister said he did not want to stop work altogether at the tunnel, but he must accept the advice of his experts, and be guided by them. It was absolutely necessary that there should be general economy in 'expenditure on public works. He had only a certain amount of money available, which mnst last him, at the very least, until probably March, 11)17. There was no intention of stopping work entirely at Otira, and before any large number of men were dismissed there, would be a general intimation as to what was going to be done. They would know in the next month or so. It was exceedingly likely that the number of men would have to be reduced.