WAIPA RAILWAY COLLIERIES.

f PROGRESS OF I'aE WORKS. Operations are being steadily pushed forward in connection with opening tbc Waipa collieries. A representative of the Auckland "Star" waa informed this morning by ilr;_A*hrcjrHunter,' engineer to the company, that all the piles for the bridge across the Waipa River ■hare been driven, with the exception of those required for one pier. The piles are 52ft. in length, and of iron bark. Unfortunately some difficulty in getting these piles has delayed the work. All the superstructure for the bridge is on the ground ready, to be erected as soon as the piers are completed.

The formation of the railway for the six miles from Ngaruawahia to Te Akate is practically finished, most of the smaller bridges being completed, and ihe earthwork done. The whole of the rails and fastening have been delivered, also the sleepers, which arc now being adzed ready for laying in position. A quarry is 'being opened up to supply ballast for the line. It may be mentioned that the rails are 55H>. weight. The work of laying the rails will be started under the personal supervision of Mr. Ashley Hunter, as soon as fhe bridge over the Woipa is ready for traffic. The locomotive will soon be delivered at Ngaruawahia. The line has been so laid out that there is a fall of about 300 ft. from Te Akate to Ngaruawahia, which is all in favour of the loaded trains.

An outcrop of coal has been opened up at the top of the incline to Te Akate. Tie seam ie from eight to ten feet in thickness, and the coal is clear, hard and is stated to stand the weather well. Other outcrops have come to light on adjoining properties, over which the company holds options; so once the mine fairly gets to work, there should be an ample supply available. Mr. Hunter also mentioned a somewhat interesting fact not connected with the company. A resident showed him some coloured glazed hall tiles which lie had made from kaolin fire-clay at Tc Akate. "Tn my estimation." said Mt. Hunter, "they arc quite equal to anything imported. I understand samples will be shown at the Exhibition "