DELAY IN PUBLIC WORKS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17101, 5 March 1919, Page 8

DELAY IN PUBLIC WORKS

i CHRISTCr|UROH PROTEST.

NO PROGRESS AT OTIRA.

QUESTION OF HAULAGE POWER.

The delay in the completion of the Ctira tunnel.vjas discussed at the last meeting of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce. In his half-yearly address, the president, Mr. r. Davidson, said the attention of the Government had again been drawn to the fact that only two shifts of six hours each were employed on the tunnel works,/ and that no decision had been reached by tho Government as to electrical haulage. The council had written to the Minister for Publio Works urging that greater efforts should be made in completing the work so that.the largo amount of capital lying dormant may become revenue-earn-ing. "The scarcity of labour is put forward as the reason for the slow progress made and no doubt justifiably," said Mr. Davidson, "but from the business point of view would it not be a payable proposition to transfer men from other publio works where the capital invested is not of the same magnitude? The Public Works policy 'of having at the present iime 38 railways in course of construction does not appeal to me as a sound one. Far better 25 per cent, of this number and push them through so that they may become interest-earning." Mr. F. M. Warren said that facte had been touched 011 which showed up the weakness of the Public Works Department's policy. It was obvious to anyone that a wicked waste of money was being allowed (through the work drifting on, almost to vanishing point, as far as.work o f any constructive'nature was concerned. The Mayor of Christchurcb, Mr. H. Holland, said the Minister sheltered behind the statement—"You find the men, and I will put them on." But what about the enormous waste of money? It was a I scandalous shame that the Work was not carried to completion. He held in his hand a letter from authorities controlling a coal mine at Stillwater, who, if they could get the necessary four miles connection with tho tunnel ralway, could tremendously increase their output. The Government had the rails, but it would neither sell them, no? lend them. He was satisfied that they had got to take the gloves OS and use almost physical force to get justice for Canterbury. The present position, he contended,' was really suicidal, especially while people were starving for coal. If any business man conducted his affairs en tho same lines as tho Government he would soon find himself in the bankruptcy court.

HIGHER WAGES PROPOSED.

QUESTION OF ELECTRIFICATION.

[BT SSIiEGRAra.--PMSS association.] CHBISTCHTOCH, .Tuesday.

Excoption was taken at a meeting of the Arthur's Pass Tunnel League to tho delay in pushing the tunnel to completion, and the following resolutions were passed:—"That this meeting demands the immediate . completion *of the Otira tunnel, and to this end urges Cabinet to. offer adequate wages to workmen at the tunnel" '' That ,as the matter is of such tremendous importance to both the East and West Coasts of this island, the league, asks for information as to the electrification, of the tunnel, as follows :—' Has a definite scheme been decided oh? If not, ; how soon will one be decided upon? How j soon after, a decision is come to will the order be placed for the plant?' J -