THE OTIRA TUNNEL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16762, 31 January 1918, Page 4

THE OTIRA TUNNEL.

OFFICIAL STATISTICS. [BY TELEGRAM.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] CHEISTCHUECH, Wednesday. Following are the official statistics in connection with the Otira tunnel, as at January 26 last :— Total length of tunnel, 5 miles 25 chains 18 links; gradient, 1 in 33, or 2ft per chain; total rise in tunnel; Otira to J Bealey, 850 ft; distance between advanced headings, 24 chains; distance between J finished work, Otira and Bealey ends, 113 chains. Lining completed: Otira end, 2 miles 68 chains 87 links; Bealey end, 1 m'le 3 chains 38 links. The tunnel is the sixth longest in the world. Those of a greater length are :— The Simplon, 12| miles; the St. Gothard. 9J miles; the Hoetschberg, 7 J miles; the Mont Cenis, 7£ miles; Arlberg, 6| miles. The Otira tunnel was commenced at the Otira end in July, 1908, and at the Bealey end in July, 1909.

VISIT OF INSPECTION. [BY TELEGRAPH.— association.] HOKITIKA. Wednesday. About 25 representatives of the Canterbury, Westland and Greymouth Chambers of Commerce participated in a visit of inspection to the Otira Tunnel works yesterday afternoon. Bealey was inspected and the party crossed to Otira in the evening. To-day Otira was inspected. The visitors were piloted by Mr. Dinnie, engineer in charge. They were impressed with the magnitude of the work. At a subsequent conference of the delegates, several interesting speeches were made as to the potentialities of the coast, and the great developments which will ensue when the tunnel is completed. A motion was carried urging the Government to prosecute its completion with all despatch.