OTIRA TUNNEL.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 16216, 22 August 1918, Page 4

OTIRA TUNNEL.

JOINING THE HEADINGS. A NOTABLE CELEBRATION. per press association. CHRISTCHURCH, August 21. Fine weather was experienced to-day for the function at Arthur’s Pass in connection with the firing of the shot and breaking down the headings of the Arthur’s Pass tunnel. The visitors from Christchurch numbered 200, including the Acting-Prime Minister, Sir W. Fraser, Air. G. AA 7 . Bussell, the Mayor, Airs. B. J. Seddon and two daughters, and representative men of Canterbury. About 140 representative men of the West Coast joined at Arthur’s Pass. Sir Vv. Fraser, at 2.30 p.m., from the Bcaley mouth of the tunnel, electrically fired a shot one mile and a-half in the tunnel, breaking down the headings, and the band played the National Anthem. Sir AV. Fraser apologised for the absence of the Hon. W. H. Henries, and, speaking for himself, and he believed the Cabinet would agree, said ho looked upon tile work as one of Dominion importance The pass was discovered in 18G4 by Arthur Dudley Dobson, who he was pleased to sec present. He read a telegram of congratulation from Mrs. Hay, widow of Mr. Hay, the engineer-in-chief, who was connected with the work. After referring to the history of the railway and tunnel, the Minister, alluding to those who had worked for the railway, mentioned Mr. Seddon, ami said he was pleased to see representatives of the family present. Regarding the completion, he said that money would only be available for public works after the war. The requirements to be met and the completion would depend on how long the war lasted. He sincerely hoped that if circumstances were favourable, it would be completed in two or two and a-half years, but the only pledge ho could give was that ho would do all ho could to see the work finished as early as possible. He complimented the engineers on the accuracy of their work, and called for three cheers for the engineer, his staff, and the workmen. Sir James Allen conveyed the congratulations of the Prime Minister and the Hon. AA 7 . D. S. MacDonald (who telegraphed Sir Joseph Ward’s congratulations) on the progress of the work. His interest in the lino, as Minister of Defence, was on account of its strategic importance, and, from that view-point the lino was perhaps ' the most valuable in the Dominion. For defence purposes the line was of enormous value, and if it had been completed it would have been much appreciated now, owing to the coal shortage. The line would bo not only beneficial to Canterbury arid the West Coast, but to the whole of New. Zealand. Mr. Russell said he took off his hat to Sir William Fraser for the persistent way in which he had insisted on the work being carried through, despite immense pressure from one part of the Dominion that wanted expenditure on a lino that had been stopped. He thought Canterbury should erect a statue to Sir William Fraser when the line was completed. He referred to the pleasure it would have given Mr. Tom Seddon, M.P., to ho present, and Sir W. Fraser called for cheers for Mr. Tom Seddon. Referring to the resources of the Coast, Mr. Russell said that possibly the quartz, the origin of the alluvial gold, would be ultimately discovered. Air. Holland, Mayor of Christchurch, spoke as to the advantages of the line to both coasts. ■ Mr. Lynch (Greymouth) expressed the desire of the Coast to got closer connection with Canterbury, and referred to the economies that would bo effected, especially in regard?,to coni, when the lino was completed. Mrs. Seddon thanked the gathering for remembering “Tom,” which touched her very much. Mr. Hewlett, president of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, said the advantages of the line appealed l to anyone with commercial instincts, especially at a time like the present, when the shortage of shipping was interfering so much with the Dominion’s trade. Tiro Hon. J. Grimmond said the West Coast joined with Canterbury and the whole Dominion in an expression of approval of the work. He had been connected with the agitation for 40 years, and hoped to live to see the railway completed. Cheers were given by Canterbury for the West Coast and rice versa, and cheers for Sir William Fraser ended the ceremony.