THE OTIRA TUNNEL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18159, 2 February 1921, Page 5

THE OTIRA TUNNEL

INSPECTED BY MINISTER OF WORKS.

HEAVY IMPORTATIONS OF CEMENT.

ELECTRIFICATION OF THE TUNNEL.

(Per United Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH. February 1. ■ The Hon. J. G. Coates (Minister ot Public Works) to-day inspected the Otira tunnel. , Referring to the cement shortage, he said that 300 tons are coming to Otira almost immediately, and a lot is also going to the Arthur’s Pass end. In a month’s time 1000 _ tons of imported cement is arriving by ship, to be followed later by another KXX) tons. After the first month is past we should have no more difficulty in this connection.

In addition to adjusting labour matters, the Minister spent some time in the Public Works Office at Otira looking at the plans and specifications of the power stations and railway sidings to be set up relative to the electrification of the tunnel, and agreed to them. The sidings, it is understood, will have provision for 400 trucks. About 20 minutes will be occupied in the run through the tunnel, the saving between Arthur’s Pass and Otira, when the trains can run right through, being about two hours and a-fialf. The Minister said he anticipated the tunnel would be finished in from six to eight months’ time. That was, of course, as far as the lining of it was concerned. After that it would be necessary to put down the track and ballast it properly. He saw nothing in the way of preventing the contractors from proceeding with the electrification of the tunnel as soon as they were ready to go on with the work.