SLOW PROGRESS.

Northern Advocate, 9 December 1916, Page 2

SLOW PROGRESS.

WITH RAILWAY WORKS.

(By Association) TAUMARUNUI, December 8.

A meeting of settlers at Ohura raised an indignant protest over the slowness of work in the tunnel delaying the opening of the line between the Main Trunk line and Ohura. The tunnel was pierced nine months ago, but since then only 15 chains out of 75 had been broken down and concreted. At this rate it would take four years to complete the work. The opinion was expressed that the contract system at this end was a failure; on the other hand, work was proceeding satisfactorily on the Stratford section undfi* : .tite co-operative system. The settlers . aVeVaryioyed because money earmarked - .for Wrks four years ago is being spent freely at the Stratford section, and not here. A resolution was carried unanimouslycalling upon the Minister of Public Works and the Acting-Prime Minister to waken up Vj the settlers' wants. The railway was promised thirteen years ago, and the Prime Minister, when in the district three years ago, promised its completion in three years. Even,(Completion To ten miles r from-the Main Trunk, would tap some of the-richest' grazing lands in the Dominion-.