THE OTIRA TUNNEL

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLII, Issue 11449, 31 January 1918, Page 4

THE OTIRA TUNNEL

Per Press Association. Hokitika, Jan. 30.

About twenty-five representatives from the Canterbury, Westland, and Greymouth Chambers of Commerce participated in'n visit of inspection to the Arthur’s Pass tunnel works yesterday. In the afternoon the Boaley end was inspected and the party crossed over to Otira that evening. To-day the Otira end was inspected. The total length of the tunnel will be five miles 25 chains, of which' there only remains 24 chains of the advanced heading to compielte, while there are IliJ chains between the finished work at both ends. The visit w&s under the conduct of Mr Dinnie, engineer in charge, and was made most interesting and instructive. The visitors were impressed with the magnitude of the work. At a conference of delegates several interesting speeches were made as to the potentialities of the coast and the great developments which would ensue when the line was completed. A motion was carrhd urging the Government to prosecute the completion of the work with all despatch mid so ensue the large expenditure he'coming interest hearing and reproductive to the Doxuinion.

The Mayor of Christchurch and other members of f’e party visited Hokitika and Lake Kanieri to-day and expressed their pleasure at the enjovable nature of the visit.