HOMER SADDLE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 19 October 1937, Page 4

HOMER SADDLE

WORK TO BE RESUMED PROTECTION OF EMPLOYEES (By Telegraph-Press Association! WELLINGTON, This Day. | The Government has let a contract I for the driving of a bottom heading ! tunnel through the Homer Saddle, as I a preliminary to the completion of the major undertaking, which was temporarily closed down after the fatal avalanches of a few months ago. This announcement was made in an interview yesterday by the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. R. Semple, who stated that the work would probably be recommenced next month. It is intended to take further precautions to protect workmen from the dangers of avalanches by extending the concrete lining of the tunnel for some distance beyond the eastern portal. The bottom heading, which will be 12ft by 9ft in section, is to be undertaken by Downer and Co., of Wellington. The approach cutting to the tunnel site was commenced inu July, 1935, and when the work was suspended last May seven chains of tunnel had been driven, including three chains of concrete lined section through loose rock and scree material. The length of the tunnel when completed will be 4000 ft, the greater part of which will be hard and solid rock. The tunnel provides for two-way traffic with a roadway 18ft wide and two raised footways of 2ft 3in each. The work has proved difficult owing to a number of causes, not the least of which has been the adverse climatic conditions which are experienced in that region. There has also been difficulty in securing the services of experienced tunnellers and skilled ma-chine-drill operators. The contract which has now been let is for labour, and the Public Works Department will find the plant and power, and practically the whole of the material.