OTIRA TUNNEL.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15536, 11 March 1916, Page 10

OTIRA TUNNEL.

A GREYMOTJTH RESOLUTION. (PBESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) GREYMOUTH, March 10. The Grcymouth Chamber of Commerce discussed at a special meeting held to-night, the question of closing down the Otira tunnel works. it was resolved that if further attempts were ma d e to influence the Government to shut down the works, a deputation should proceed to WeLimgton to urge on the .Minister the necessity ol proceeding with tue -worU, wiuwi i» considered to be of national importance.

The .Railways Sectional Committee of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce have -sent the" following letter to the .Minister of Public Works, and have a?ked the co-operation of the members of both Houses of Parliament and kindred associations: —"Having read the report of the deputation of workers and otners interested in the Otira Tunnel, which waited upon you recently, this Chamber views with considerable alarm any suggestion cf curtailment of this most important work. While we appreciate the difficulties you may bo beset Avith, we desire to earnestly press upon veil the value of the early completion cf the work. You <ire no doubt fully conversant with the importance of the completion of the tunnel from its commercial value to Canterbury, the West Coast, and to the Dominion, i n opening up the natural resources of the West Coast, as well as bringing into earning a completed work as against a work standing partially unfinished and unproductive. From a naval and military point of view, you will also recognise the expediency of having through communication for military movements, and also connecting both coasts with our conl mines. We trust, therefore, that you, in your judgment* will have this necessary work completed as speedily as possible, as being not only of consequence to Canterbury and the West Coast, but.also of much greater importance to the Empire."