THE PANAMA CANAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13095, 7 February 1906, Page 5

THE PANAMA CANAL.

FURTHER DELAYS.

SEA LEVEL OR LOCKS?

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright.

New York, February 5. The Panama Canal Commissioners, fearing that tenderers would ask fabulous sums in order to cover unforeseen contingencies, have decided that contracts for digging the Panama Canal shall not be invited until the surveys are completed in 1908.

(Received February 6, 10.40 p.m.)

New York February 6.

Though a majority of the consulting engineers to whom the question has been referred favour a sea level canal at Panama, a Commission to which President Roosevelt referred the reports advises the adopting of a lock canal, on the ground of cheapness and rapidity of construction.

The Americans started to dig the canal in 1904 with a dozen steam shovels, each served by 50 men, and each capable of doing the work of 500 men. Early last year this work had to be stopped on account of outbreaks of disease among the workmen and engineers. All attention was then given to sanitation, and arrangements were made for regular supplies of superior food from New York. Then it was decided that a complete survey would bo necessary before digging began, and it was estimated that this work would not be finished until well into the present year. Apparently the survey is to occupy a much longer period. It is estimated that a canal with locks can be completed in 10 years at a cost (for new work only) of £20,000,000. Mr. Wallace, late chief engineer, advised a sea-level canal costing £60,000,000 and taking 20 years to construct.