The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is in corporated the West Coast Times.) THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 1938. MAJOR WORKS.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 June 1938, Page 4

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is in corporated the West Coast Times.) THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 1938. MAJOR WORKS.

Thi; Labour Government must be credited with plenty or enterprise and robust courage in undertaking large works. The latest substantial undertaking to be announced is the piercing of the Rimutaka range to improve ihe route for the Wairarapa railway. This means a tunnel as long as the Otira tunnel, which was such a bone of contention for so long. Perhaps it was the unusual magnitude of that work that deterred Ministers in those days, though tin re were plenty of objections on the grounds that the through line when opened, would not pay! However, the Otira tunnel was put through, and is a credit to the New Zealand Public Works Department which set out the job j and finally completed it—a first-class work. The traffic which has grown up with the convenience of tin' line, has answered the croakers as to the practical utility of the work, and its value to the South Island. Ln the Rimutaka work, tho tunnel is to substitute the present climb over the summit which is 1144 feet high. A similar plan was the first suggestion for the Otira tunnel, but fortunately was ruled out. it can be understood the Rimutaka deviation by funnel can be a greatly improved substitute, and the country will benefit very materially. This can be a very important undertaking and it is in that respect that the Government shows courage, for the cost will be

substantial. the chief outgoing will be for the labour employed so that the money expended under that head will go into -"irculation — and not out of the country. The Government has modern machinery now for work of the class to be undertaken, and that should facilitate operations, and lessen the hitherto high cost for labour which was unavoidable under more primitive working conditions. The same idea is being applied to other large works in hand. Tn connection with irrigation, aerodrome construction, and of course, large roadiug schemes, the use of improved machinery tor shifting earth and spoil generally, has facilitated operations greatly. The Rimutnka railway trip has long been a bug-bear to traffic, and the line has been costly to equip with haulage gear and to maintain. The extra expenditure in coal to mount the steep declivity must in itself he very great. The attention to the matter has been long under consideration, and there appears to be wisdom in deciding on (In l course now to he taken. The cost though largo will lie sot off as time goes on in the savings to he made from the present route which also has its dangers under certain boisterous conditions. The tunnel will require to he electrified, and so in general aspect, will be largely a replica ot the position at Ot.ira. That tunnel rail be made something of a pattern, and of course improved or?

with the better facilities now available for rock-cutting. This major work is one that will prove of increasing advantage once in operation. and should be a worthy credit to the Government for the foresight displayed in putting such a useful and notable work in hand.