OTIRA TUNNEL.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVII, Issue 107, 7 May 1909, Page 2

OTIRA TUNNEL.

BONUS SYSTEM. Mr. Murdoch M'Lean, of John M'Leaß and Sons, Limited, contractors for the Arthur's Pass tunnel, arrived from the South to-day. In course of conversation with a Post reporter, Mr. M'Lean said work at the Otira end is going on favourably, and the workers are satisfied with existing conditions. AJ sta.rt has been made to widen out the tunnel, and a large number of additional workers have been engaged. Already} four or five chains on the widening oufc have been done, and it is expected that good progress will be made with thia work. Concrete foundations and blockmaking plant have been installed, and the -work of making blocks wherewith the tunnel is to be lined, has commenced. As soon as the blocks are sufficiently set to allow of them being placed in position a start will be mada with the lining of the widened out portion of the tunnel. Great progress is being made -withi the heading, between 41 and 42 rhaina haying been driven to date. This week it is hoped that the total distance driven will be between 78 and 80 feet, in which case the 26 or 28 men engaged on the work will receive between them as bonus £12 or £14. When asked as to the working of the bonus system, Mr. M'Lean described the man as being perfectly satisfied with the system. When the ground driven through is exceptionally hard they are not able to advance more than 60 feet or 66 feet in a week, though working with equal zeal. When ground is good they can advance at the rate of 70 feet or 80 feel per week, and for all in addition lo 66 feet they receive an bonus. By this means they get' the full benefit of good ground. If the nature of tho ground does not permit! them to do 66 feet they do not receiva less in wages. In Mr. M'Lean's opinion! the men, even if they did not get th^ bonus, would do just as much work, at they are a good class of men. "It has been stated by Labour a-gi talors," said Mr. M'Lean, "that thos( men by their exertions and by doing extra work are robbing other men o^ employment. As a matter of fact, ai far as this particular instance is con^ cerned, it would be impossible to employ any more men on this class of work owing to the space being confined to tb* tunnel."