THE TUNNEL.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17769, 22 May 1923, Page 8

THE TUNNEL.

OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY.

PROPOSED THREE SECTIONAL FREIGHT CHARGES. Mr P. R. Climie, organiser for the Canterbury Progress League, leaves this morning to inspect the present position of the works at the Arthur's Pass tunnel. His visit is the outcome of the apparent delay that has recently taken place in connexion with the announcement of the date of the official ceremony to mark the opening of the tunnel. As a result of bis visit, Blr Climie hopes that some definite decision will be arrived at concerning the date of the official opening ceremony. Freight Charges and the Coal Shortage. At yesterday afternoon's meeting of the Progress League's District Railways Committee, the secretary of the League's Westland Committee wrote regarding the Midland railway freight charges, and in the course of his letter stated:—"The matter was fully discussed at the committee meeting on Tuesday last, and strong exception was taken to the proposal to impose three sectional charges on goods traffic. Mr Butler had prepared figures . covering various commodities which clearly demonstrated the large impost which would be placed on goods traffio under the proposed three sectional rate. It is recognised that while the tunnel is under the joint control Of the Railway and Public Works Departments, the tunnel itself must be considered a separate section, but it is felt that the two approaching Sections which are under the control of the Railway Department should, for freight purposes, bo considered one section only, thus reducing the number of terminal charges which form a large percentage of the freight charges. The matter is one which affects both. Canterbury and Westland most seriously, and if the three sectional rate obtains, must also have the effect of reducing traffic to the ultimate loss of the Department." A copy of the letter addressed by the Westland Committee to the General Manager of Railways was enclosed. It was as follows:—"It is reported that during the period the Arthur's Pass tunnel is under the joint control of your Department and the Public Works Department, three sectional rates are* to be charged for goods traffic between the East and West Coasts. It is considered that the effect of such charges will be to reduco goods traffic materially, and with a view to reducing charges I am directed to request that the two approaching sections at present under the control of the Railway Department be considered, for the purposes of freight, as one section, thus reducing the sections to two instead of three, and resulting in a reduction of freight charges. The question of is one of great importance both to importers and exporters. The proposed three sectional rate is causing grave anxiety to all concerned, resulting as it will in highly-increased costs. The matter is- considered one of extreme urgency, and I am directßd to request your immediate and favourable consideration of the suggested reduction." The chairman (Mr H. J. Marriner) said that an important phase of the question was' the threatened shortage of coal in Canterbury, owing to the strike in Australia. In the Reefton district there was a number of small coalmines which had had to shut down owing to difficulty in getting suitable freights, and the owners were waiting for the opening of the tunnel to-: get their coal through to Canterbury. If they waited till the tunnel was formally taken over by the Railway Department the winter would be over, and they would not be able to get any relief; • Ho suggosted that the Department should be asked to consider the question of making two sections instead of three. "He moved: "That the Department bo asked to give full consideration (1) to making two sections, and (2) to arrange for the conveyance of coal through the tunnel as soon as possible." ,■,.., Mr W. H. Nicholson seconded Ind remarked that it was time that the Department realised that the tunnel Was one of the safeguards against a coal shortage. fclr Climie suggested that the committee should move carefnil- mthe matter, otherwise the Public Works Department hi'ight withdraw the concession promised in respect of the use of the tunnel (before it is taken over by the Railway Department) for the transport of goods. • Mr Nicholson said it would be a pity if each Department considered itself a watertight compartment when the matter was of such importance to the community. The chairman thought that coal and timber should be brought through on two section rates.

Mr W. Stringleman: Why should there be two sections? Mr Climie: If we can bring the two Departments into line we should be able to get a one-section rato.. Mr Nicholson said ho was of opinion that in the present circumstances the question of the earning percentage of the line should not stand in the way. Mr W. 0. Ennis (assistant-district traffic manager) remarked that unless the railways made a certain percentage there was a public outcry. He did not think that, if the tunnel were opened for goods traffic, there would be more coal from the Wsst Coast than at pre* sent. The chairman: Why?

Mr Ennis: The miners won't work more than four or five days in a week.

Mr Stringlenian said that thdy should press for goods traffic as soon as possible at one through rate. The chairman's motion was agreed to in the following terms:—"That the Government be asked to establish a through rate oh the Midland line, and urged to allow goods traffic, especially coal, through the tunnel as soon a*s possible." The chairman suggested that the Reefton Chamber of Commerce should be communicated with and asked if coal was available if through freights were available.

Mr Climie said that he understood that the Eeefton coalmine owners were anxiously awaiting the opening of the tunnel. He undertook to make the enquiry suggested by the chairman.