N.Z. INVITES WORLD TENDERS FOR RIMUTAKA TUNNEL

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22872, 16 February 1949, Page 8

N.Z. INVITES WORLD TENDERS FOR RIMUTAKA TUNNEL

(P.A.) MASTERTON, Feb. 15. A statement that the Government was calling for international tenders for the actual tunnelling work on the Rimutaka railway tunnel was made this morning by Mr. R. Semple, Minister of Works in an interview by telephone. Mr. Semple said the public could be assured that the job was being pushed ahead as fast as possible. It was No. 1 priority job in the Wellington province. It was intended to carry out all the preliminary work right up to the portals so that the contractor would be able to start right away on tunnelling. Asked regarding a proposal to construct a road tunnel through the Rimutakas, Mr, Semple said the Government was not going to jeopardise a big job for a little one. Mr. Semple added that the engines used on the Rimutaka incline and rails as well would be worn out in n few years and if a railway tunnel was not provided they would have to be replaced at tremendous cost. Some of the machinery required for the job was on hand and more was coming from overseas. He was going right ahead with all the preliminary work. He did not think the calling of international tenders would hold up the work at all as there was still a lot of preliminary work to be done.