BIG ENGINEERING SCHEME.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13482, 5 July 1907, Page 5

BIG ENGINEERING SCHEME.

ARTHUR'S PASS TUNNEL.

[BY TELEGRAPH.—SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.]

Wellington-, Thursday. The Midland Railway deputationists did not get a very sympathetic hearing from the Acting-Minister for Public Works, Mr. McGowan, to-day. It has leaked out tihat the tenders received for the great tunnel at Arthur's Pass are all far above the engineer's estimate. This tunnel is likely to be a regular sink for public money if it is ever attempted. It is to be between five and six miles long, so that it will be by far the biggest engineering feat of its kind ever attempted in the colony. ! The engineer's estimate for it is considerably over half a million sterling, and the tenders apparently are so far above that sum that the Government cannot think of accepting even the lowest of them. It will also be out of the question for the Government to undertake the work itself, seeing that the plant for it, which would jcost about £150,000, would be practically of no use to the colony afterwards. It is j understood that McLean Bros, and one J British firm arc amongst the tenderers for I this work.

Though the deputation that waited on the Minister was supposed to be unanimous in its desire for the completion of the work, I understand that at least two members of it (both Canterbury men), who did not speak, think it would' be folly io undertake the work at present. Apart altogether from the tunnel, there is some extremely | costly bridging and construction work to Ibe done between Broken River and the Pass. The general opinion seems to be | that there is little chance of the completion of the line for many years to come. It is stated that the members of the deputation are not satisfied with the Minister's reply, and that.they intend to hold another meeting, with the view of waiting upon the Premier. , .