Both above and below Yale the work is being pushed ahead with activity. The great effort at present appears to be to make the grade ready for the ties and rails between the magazine landing, one and a half miles west of Yale, and the tunnel work east of the town, in order to be able to use the track to forward the powder and other supplies as quietly, cheaply and safely as possible.

The skirting of the hills is being cut away, the dump being used to fill the ravines (for it would seem that wherever there is a hill there the hollow is to receive the surplus,) and stumps are being removed. Thus the work progresses, and certainly the work looks business-like. At this grade work the Chinamen are freely used, while the greater part of the white force is engaged in the timber work preparing for bridges, tunnel work, etc. The force now working is over 700 all told and increasing by every boat. The same as on all public works, there are men coming and going, for man’s labor is HIS capital, and frequently changes his base of operations, seeking to better his condition in life.

We cannot say that the tunnel work has made the advancement that we would like to have seen, although a good force is employed. It is true, the rock is hard, and with hand drilling and necessary ‘get out of the way shots’ it takes time to ‘hasten slowly.’ With a steam drill, of even the Burleigh or diamond character, the rocks of ages would have to quake in short order. No doubt ere long it will be found advisable to use machinery to overcome nature. In the meantime we learn every precaution is taken against the repetition of such an accident as caused the death of poor Flynn, at the east end of No. 1 tunnel. By another month the whole railway work will be in full railway force, when the additional plant and the force is doubled, as we understand it is the intention to do as soon as possible.