SOUTH ISLAND.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLIV, Issue 4, 26 January 1910, Page 5

SOUTH ISLAND.

Arthur s Pass Tunnel. Work on the Arthur’s Pass tunnel is proceeding steadily, states Mr. Murdoch McLean, of Messrs. McLean Bros., contractors, who arrived in Christchurch from Wellington last week. Mr McLean stated that some difficulty had arisen through the shortage of labour, due to grass-seeding and harvesting, but it was anticipated that this trouble would be overcome when the busy season was over. Coal in Canterbury, Several bores are being sunk in the Homebush Estate, Glentunnel. in connection with the proposal to test the coal deposits there. Some have gone to a depth of 50ft., and have pierced seams from 4ft. 6in. to 7ft. in thickness. Arrangements have been made to put in a long drive, and although the character of the coal has not yet been definitely decided, some of the experiments show that the coal in the best of the seam is likely to be a good gas producer. Civil Servants’ Horticultural Society. A meeting of Civil servants to consider the advisability of forming a Horticultural Society was held in Christchurch last week, alien a resolution affirming the desirability of forming a society having for its object the holding of exhibitions of flowers, fruit, and vegetables was carried. It was resolved that persona who are in the employ of the New

Zealand Government in any capacity should be eligible as members or exhibitors Should the support anticipated be accorded. it is proposed to hold the first show about the end of February.