PUBLIC WORKS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 23, 28 January 1922, Page 11

PUBLIC WORKS.

DEPARTMENT'S POLICY. LOAN OF FIVE MILLIONS. RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION. MAIN LINES FIRST. WHANGAREI TO PROCEED. NO WORK ON ATHENREETAURANGA. EAST COAST LINE HELD UP. MAIN ROAD CONSTRUCTION. (By Telejrrapti.— Parliamentary Reporter.) ■WKULINCTOX, Friday. The Public Works Statement was laid on the table in the House of Representatives by the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. .1. <;. Coates. In his statement the Minister says tlmt la~t year the work of the Department was delayed and Tendered unusually expensive through scarcity of material and the difficulty of procuring suitable labour. A higher rate of wages, improved conditions of living on the works, more and 'better mechanical appliances, and the rearrangement and encouragement of the staff -were factors which he-lped the Department to overcome the difficulties and maintain mi improved rate of progress. Conditions now are quite different. The supply of material and labour is considerably greater than funds will permit him to utilire. Still, the improvements in working conditions and the reorganisation that has proceeded should bear fruit. Wherever possible work is 'being carried out on the basis of payment by results. ARTERIAL ROADS. Legislation has been framed with the object of improving the construction and maintenance of the arterial roads of the Dominion. This should occupy a prominent place in future legislation, as it is a subject that demands as urgent attention here as it is now receiving in pra-ctically all the most progressive countries in the world. The Minister also refers to a new system which is proposed in connection with appropriations for roads and bridges. Under this system the money available for roads and bridges will be spent to the very best advantage, and where it is most urgently needed in the development of the Dominion. Much attention is being given in other countries to the subject of road improvements in relation to motor traffic. With the development of tlii= means of transport the value of good roads cannot be overestimated, and future railway construction must be considered in the light of possibilities in this respect. The experience of some countries goes to show that satisfactory communication can sometimes be provided by motor on good roads in less time than at considerably lower cost than by railways; and this new factor in the development of the country must be kept in view. LAST YEAR'S EXPENDITURE, f The expenditure for the financial year ended March 31, 1021, under all votes and accounts appearing on the public works appropriation- was £3.566,0-2 T. If the expenditure under the special accounts (which have their own ways and means) is deducted, the net charge against the Public, Works Fund is £3,140,758, as compared with £2,020,714 in the previous year. The following table shows the expenditure under various headings during the last financial year, and the appropriations proposed for the current year:— ATipnipria- Eipenditions, ture. li£!l-22. 1920-21. £ £ Depnrtmeutnl IGu.OOO 143,055 Rail waysNew construction.. 1.1:30,000 5)44.1.">0 Additions, "pen lines 2.100,000 421,810 riihllc Buildings 370,5."0 5itt,211 Timber Supply and Sawmills 42,000 — Lighthouse* and Harbour Works 21,000 4.838 Tourist and Health Resorts IM.iiOO l!),l>41 Immigration 223,(100 *l>Bo6 Roads, Hridpes, and other Public Works 500.000 5J5.574 Development of Mining 2,000 1!.153 Telegraph Extension. oon.oou 3."fi.4SS Contingent Detence... 17,r,00 B.VOI Lands Improvement.. 13,030 1>.06. n . Irrigation and Water Supply 8.1.000 55,345 TlHnt. Material autl Stores 17.-..000 16!>,f>i 1 Unauthorised ..' — 554 Total £5.490,080 £;i,140,574 *L'reiiit. Special Accounts— l.nml for Settlements | (Koads) r>o.ooo 25,!)20 Electric Supply 9(10,000 3.">U.4.>1 Hailwn.vs Improvement 230,000 63.078 VValhou ami Ohiiieinuri Rivers G. 1,000 62,240 Kducation Loans... 730,00(1 214.371 The total expenditure on public works to March 31, 1921, is shown as £78,865,673. The appropriations for railways, compared with the expenditure during the past financial year, are as follows: — NEW COXSTRUCTION. Approprtn- Kxpenditloos. ture. litL'l-1.'2. 1020-21. i' £ Kaihu Extension 1.i.000 Io.OSIi North Auckland Main Trunk— Huarau, Northwards -'S^. iin -JfiS.ai'.) Wlmngarei Brum-ti... au.oou H,;n I Waipu Branch 4.<hki li.U&i North Island Maiu Trunk— Waiuku Brand) ai.iino 26,044 Huntly Branch ud.uoo 12,493 Waikokowai Urauch 2.5C11 Wnlpa Branch — 2~ East Coast Main Trunk — Paeroa-Poki-no 5.000 — Wallil-Taneatua .... IT.:,<»«> u«.222 Gleborne-Xni-ier ... (iT.OfIO 78.232 Waikokopu Branch.. 115.000 ."i4.()40 Mount Eeraont Branch — *10 Opunake 'Branch 20,000 22.2.57 Stratford-Main Tnmk 00.00(1 5H.W3 S. Island Main Trunk S8 MldlaDd— (Jlenliope-Murchison 18.000 h.ibt Otlra-Bealey ..» 330,000 110.-nr, Wtftport-luaugabun — *197 fireymouth-P. Elizabeth 24,0013 IP.oSO Cuiverden-Waiau — 1.230 1 Waimate Branch 7,»7tf Otago Central 5.300 23,890 Balclutha - Tuapeka Mouth — 7 rOrepuki-Walau 12.00" !>.r>4:; SI-awrence-Roxbun-'h 30.000 1.884 Land Claims nnd other liabilities 2..MK1 T0, , : Survey of new lines.. .1,100 526 Permanent way materials 300,000 75,249 Total required for year £1,150,000 £944,150

I ADDITIONS TO OPEN LJNES. War and Works Branch>orth Island Main and Branches 175.000 187.135 south Island Main and Branches 100,000 100.303 «nangarel Section. 25,000 2,004 Slpnals. tablet instnllatlons, telegraphs, and telephones... 23.00U 6,298 Locomotive Branchiiolllng stock 250,000 151,833 workshops machinery -J5.11011 4,6.13 Locomotives aud wagons coustnn-t- V <■« in United Kingaom 1,300.000 — Totß ' £.',100.000 £421,316 Grand Total £3,1>30.000 £1,365,466 •Credit. tKelief Works. Hie available ways and means for public works purposes on April 1, 1920, were £219,602. Additional funds were received as follows: Under Finance Act, 1918. £200,000; under Finance Act, 1919, £750,000; under Finance Act, 1920, fl,940,000; transfer from Consolidated Fund, £500,000; and other receipts, £21,184; making available for expenditure a gross total of £.3,630,886. The actual net expenditure on all works and services chargeable on the Public Works Fund for the year was £3.141.197. This left a credit balance at March 31, 192 V, of £489,48!). Legislative authority exists for providing further funds in terms of the Finance Act. 1920,1 £580.000, and the Finance Act. 1921, | £2,500,000. It is proposed to make further provision this session for an additional £5,000.000. making available for the current year a total of £8,549,489. The estimated expenditure on public works for the current year (exclusive of accounts which have their own ways and means) is £5,490,080, which will leave a credit balance of £3,059,409 to be carried forward to next year (1922-23.) GREATEST IN HISTORY. During the war period the purchase of materials was restricted as much as possible, and our stocks became repleted. Heavy expenditure has been necessary for materials during the year; in fact, the total public worke expenditure for the 12 months has been greater then at any period in the history of New Zealand. On railways it exceeded the record of the past 40 years, while on hydroelectric development it was two and ahalf times greater than in any previous year. The present financial circumstances demand that expenditure must be reduced; work ran be undertaken only according to the money available. "Last year I announced a policy of concentration in regard to railway works," the Minister continued. "This principle has been followed, though not as far as 1 had hoped. It will be adhered to in future; and 1 again emphasise the necessity and wisdom of such a course. It was not possible or reasonable during the year to discontinue work : on many lines; the Kaihu Valley line,' the Waiuku branch line, the Tahora sec-1 tion of the Stratford Main Tnmk line,' and the Otago Central line, for instance. I were so nearly finished that common I sense demanded their completion. The branch was discontinued for a time, though certain work was after wards done there. WORK ON THREE MAIN LINES. "No work has been or will be commenced on the Waikokowai or Waipa gravel-pit access lines. The Waihi east- j wards will be suspended when Athenree | is reached, but possibly financial con-j federations will necessitate an earlier, cessation. Work from Tauranga west- j wards has been suspended, except in the ' vicinity of the wharves and station.. Work on the Wairoa-Gisborne section I has been stopped, and a halt will be' called at an early date on the Ngatapa section of the Gisbornc-Wairoa line, except in regard to maintenance and preliminary work on the tunnels. No further work has been opened up on the Napier end of the East Coast railway, but efforts have been directed to finishing the firet length so that work on this line also can be stopped. Work on' the Waimate branch railway was dis- j continued. Otago Central railway was comnleted to Cromwell and discontinued. "The works upon which effort will be concentrated will be the Midland line, | the North Auckland connection, and the East Coast Main Trunk: but financial! provision will also be necessary for the completion of the Waikokop\i branch (the excavation work being now nearly finished) and for the Stratford Main Trunk as far as Matiere."' KAIHU LINE ..NEARLY FINISHED. Formation, culverting, and fencing on this section have 'been practically com- j pleted. Plate-laying has been completed ' to DonneHy'e Crossing station yard, but I the plate-laying in the yard itself will . not ibe possible until the bridge at 23 miles 58 chains has been completed. A goods service ha 3 'been extended to ] Donnelly's Crossing. With the exeep- j tion of the station buildings, this line should be in order for handing over to the Railways Department before next winter. NORTH AUCKLAND MAIN TRUNK. Ngapnhi Northwards.—The last mile ' of formation on the Okaihau section hap i been completed, tut slips have caused t much concern. Plate-laying has been completed to 24 miles 14 chains. It is ' hoped to put the first lift of 'ballast on the section between Kaikohe and Okai- i hau as early as possible, to admit of the ■carriage of passengers and goods. This connection will save at least 25 miles of the present circuitous coach route to Hokianga and Mangonui Counties. Its completion depends upon the Govern- : ments ability to finance it. It is not j proposed to do anything further on the j Okoro section for some time, and, in view of this, substantial provision has i this year been made to improve the : road from Okaihau to Horeke. ! Waiotira Northwards.—Only a email I amount of work has 'been done on the I Waiotira end of thje section owing to i the removal of men for concentration on i the Waiotira southwards section. On the northern end work has been chiefly confined to tramway construction from ■ the Wairoa River to the Omano Tunnel. | Formation and plate-laying are 'being' carried out from the river. The reason ! for operating on this isolated portion ! is the necessity for making an early ! start with the Omana Tunnel, which i will take a long time to drive, and i would, if not started in advance, delay j the final connection. Financial con- j side-ations may necessitate a modifica- J tion of this programme. An endeavour ( will be made during the current year to | give effect to the Royal Commission's j recommendation regarding the eomple- ' tion of the Kirikopuni-Mangakahia and ' the Mangakahia-Kai'kohe roads. The re- \ suit of this work will be that when this ' j section of railway is completed, prob- ! I ably within the next few years, to Kiri- \ j kopuni on the Wairoa River, the settlers ] north of this point will have properly j constructed access roads over -which produce can he transported to the end I of the finished line. Waiotira Southwards. — The pro- ' gramme of operations for the year on : the Waikiekie section was the conceni tration of men on the completion of I Waikiekie Tunnel, rail connection with, ■ and the early commencement of, the

Mareretu Tunnel. The Waikiekie Tunnel was finished about the end of April. It is hoped to complete the Mareretu. Tunnel 'by next April. Rangnnui Northwards.—All earthworks on the Paparoa. section were practically completed some time ago. Paparoa station yard has been extended, and the bank at 92 miles 10 chains raised. Hu&rau Tunnel was completed about the end of January. The permanent survey of the Mareretu section has been finished, and formation is complete to the south end of Golden Staire tunnel, and in hand ne far as 95 miles 24 chains. Plate-laying and first lift of ballast is complete to 93 miles 41 chains. WHANGAREI BRANCH. j With the exception of 30 chains of deviation the whole line to Portland has been laid and covered with the second lift of ballast. The bridge at 7 miles 33 chairs will be completed on I the arrival of the steel girders. On the I Waiotira section the, temporary line will shortly be removed, and a commencement made with permanent plate-laying. EAST COAST MAIN TRUNK. Waihi to Tauranga.— Practically all earthwork on the Athenree section has been completed. There are still several bridges to erect on the Katikati section. Earthwork has proceeded et a satisfactory rate. While it is hoped that finances will permit of the completion of this line to Katikati before a temporary hnlt is called, it may be necessary to provide money for more urgent works, to discontinue work temporarily. On the Tauranga section formation is in hand over a length of four miles. No work is proposed on this section at present. Tauranga Eastwards.— All the cylinders for the Tauranga Bridge have been completed, and, with the exception of six, are stink to their proper levels. A large amount of work in tho preparation of material for this bridge has been done in the Mount workshops. Permanent rails have been laid over the whole of the Rangitaiki section, although the formation is not completed. One permanent reinforced bridge is in hand, and temporary structures over the Tarawera and Rangitaiki Rivers for traffic have been built. The latter has been decked, and now also carries road traffic. This section was opened for goods traffic in September. On the ' AwnJceri section, permanent-way ha* been laid over the full length. This section was opened for goods traffic in September. 1020. The policy of this line ha 9 been to extend it as rapidly as funds permit, from the deep waterfront at Mount Maunpanui into the fertile plains of the Bay of Plenty district. While it is recognised as very degirable that the Tau- | ranga section of railway should be eon--1 nected with the main North Island sys- [ terns via Waihi, the need for concentra- | tion requires that one or other of these desirable works should halt. The construction programme is lnid out with . this in view, and to dissipate energy in ■ an effort to simultaneously effect a connection would involve a great loss of , money. When the line reaches Taneatl'a the programme will again be reviewed. GTSnORNT.-NAPIKR ROAD. Referring to tW proposed railway between fiisborne and Wairoa, the Minis- ; ter said all except maintenance work and • preliminary work toward tunnels will 1* discontinued. Extensive improvements have been made between Wairoa and j Gisborne over a bad piece of road known . as Wharerata Hill. The exjx-nJitnre on . tihese works amounts to £44.000. and a further £GO.BIO is allocated for 19-21-22. j The Object in view is to concentrate on the road. The reason for this is that ( owimj to the length of line to be con- ( Rtructed. the character of the counlTV > to be traversed (involving as it does a , t number of very large viaducts), and the present financial situation, it will not be ] possible to make railway connection between Napier and Gisborne for a very , considerable time, and it is felt that it 1 is better to spend a substantial sum in 5 making a through road connection . available in all weathers, rather than to ! proceed slowly with the railway. STRATFORD-MAIN , TRUNK. The enlarging, concrete-lining, and con- ' st ruction of both portals of the Okahu ' tunnel were completed about December las*. Two other tunnels, situated at 0 miles 12 chains and 7 miles 55 chains respectively were also similarly com- ' pleted. A commencement «-as made with the erection of superstructure of the Ongaruc River bridge, the steelwork ' being fabricated in the contractor's workshop, Auckland. Good progress was ' made with the construction of hxo other bridges over the Ohura River. It will be possible to start plate-laying and ballast- ' ing very shortly. Four of the five tunnels on the Ohura section are now complete: the lining : only of tho Bf!<h remains to be done. Beyond Tuhua station yard four bridges are required before plate-laying can he ' I completed to Matiere. The Minister hopes . to have the ballast-enfrine in the Ohura 1 Valley before his next Statement is due. I At the wesli end a bi-weekly passenger j and goods service, connecting with tho Railway Department's service at Kohura- : tahi, is in operation on the Tahora sec- ; tion. No forward movement is proposed at present. SOUTHERN LINES. The contractors for the electrification ! of the Otira tunnel have commenced with J the erection of the fiOOO cable-racks in J the tunnel. The manufacture of raachij nery in England was much delayed by the coal strike. It is expected that* the i cleaning-up of the bottom will be com- ' plcted in December, I!>2}, the plate-laying I in February, 1!>22, and oallasting in I March, 1922. J In his survey of the minor railways of I the South Island the Minister states ■ that formation commenced on the Beaumont section of the Lawrence-Rox-burgh railway in April. 1921, and ex- : tends over about two miles. Several culi verts have been built and workmen's huts 1 erected. The men employed on this work i are chiefly those who were engaged on , the completion of Cromwell section of i Otago Central. The survey has been j completed for a distance of about six ; miles. I The Minister conclude* his Statement ! by saying that while regretting that thp financial situation will not permit his I carrying out all the work which the pre- ' sent favourable state of organisation | I and supply of labour and material would j permit, it! has been his aim in drawing ; up his proposals co to allocate the I available funds ac to ensure prosecution I of the projects which will lead to maximum production and generally produce ! the greatest good for the greatest i number. ; EDUCATION. During the past financial year the I expenditure out of loan-money* on I Education buildings was easily a record. i During the war the necessity for ; economy led to the restriction of 1 expenditure wherever possible, and eon- : sequently when peace came large arrears ! of work" had to be overtaken. During the year 1920-21 the total expenditure

!on Education buildings was £459,202- ---! £244,721 from the Public Works Fund «nd £214.571 from the Education Purposes Loan. Of this total £270,659 was for ntw primery school buildings, £67,216 for technical echools, £43,810 for secondary echoole, and £37,243 for the University colleges. At the end of the year the grants promised but not paid amorunted to £825,661, as againet .£560,051 for the previous year. The total new authorities issued during the year amounted to no leee a euro than £724,902. TOURIST AXD HEALTH RESORTS. The total expenditure incurred during 1 the year was £19,041, as against £6,194 I for the previous year. The greater part of this expenditure was incurred at Kotorua, mainly on the completion of the work of replacing the wooden watermains by c««t-iron ones. This work, whicji has been completed so far ac the town is concerned, absorbed £10,000. The electrical works nt Rotorua cost £2,311; and the bringing in of a further supply of hot mineral water to augment that from the Rachel Spring, £2,202. This last item will provide a practically unlimited supply for many years to come. TELfXJRAPH EXTENSION , . During the year 46 miles of telegraph and inter-urban telephone pole-line, carrying 615 miles of wire, were erected. In connection with telephone-exchange subscribers , lines an additional 330 miles of pole-line, carrying 4,263 milee of "open aerial wire, and 41 miles of cable conOaining 11,446 miles of wire, were made available. debating the estimates. develohm; water power. immigration policy. WELLINGTON', Friday. The House went into Committee of Supply this afternoon to consider the lVblic Works Estimates. The first vote discussed was J'ublic Works Department, £165,000. Mr. T. M. Wilford (Leader of the Opposition) said members bed only a few minutes in which to consider either Statement or Estimates, and he thought the time must come when some better method must be adopted. Members should be placed in a position in which they could get ready and complete a survey of the financial position and history of all public works loans. Referring to hydro-electric development, he aeked whether the Minister knew of the rumoured combination of five great electrical firms in Britain for the purpose of taking advantage of the preference which we were giving to British manufacturers. He understood that, knowing we were giving this preference, they immediately put up their prices 25 per cent. He favoured preference to Britain, ■but we should not allow ourgelves to he "walked all over." He coneidered the development of hydro-electric power wa« the first great necessity of the Dominion. After ■further discussion the vote wa§ passed. Railways construction and additions, was the next vote discussed, members taking the opportunity of ■brinjjrinfr under tho notice of the" Minister tho claims of local lines. At 0.15 p.m. the Railways vote was passed, nnd the Committee proceeded to discuss the Public Buildings vote, £;t7'.i,sr>o. Shortly after 11 oVlook the vote for public 'buildings wns passed. The vote of £42.000 for timber supply and sawmills was passed without discussion. The sum of £21,000 was voted for lighthouses and harfeour works after a 'brief discussion. Tourist and health resorts, £25,000. neit came under review. The Minister, in reply to many applications for extensions and improvements at tourist resorts, informed members that in view of the restricted expenditure it was impossible to grant these requests. The vote was passed. At Immigration Department, £225,000, Mr. Fraser opposed the item "passage money in payment of reduced fares for nominated immigrants, £10,000," and the item of £59,000 for payment of reduced fares of other immigrants. He contended that until there was work and homes for workers more immigrants should not be 'brought to the Dominion. The Minister, in reply, contended that immigrants coming to the country would not more than make up for the losses of population incurred by the war. There was not a single immigrant who came to the country who had not housing and employment found for him. There were 1500 immigrants on the water now, and 15.000 would be sailing In a few months, all of whom were nominated, and all of whom had employment. Mr. Fraser moved that the total vote 'be reduced by £100 as an indication that the House does not approve of the immigration policy of the Government. The amendment was lost by 37 votes to 8, and the vote was passed. PALHXHSTON RAILWAY. DFAIATIOX OPPOSED. (Ry Telegraph.—Press Association.l WELLINGTON, this day. ■ Construction, maintenance and superi vision of roads £500,000, contingent defence £17,500, lands improvement £13,030, irrigation £85,000, plant, material and stores £175,000, lands for settlement £50,000,' electric supply £000,000, railway improvement £250.000, Waihou and Ohinemuri River improvement £65,000. education lands account £735.000 were passed after the very briefest discussion. In discussing the Puiblic Works Estimates last night aomc opposition developed towards the proposal to deviate the railway at Palmerston North. Messrs. Fieid, Glenn and Edie protested against the proposal as an unwarrantable waste of public money. Mr. Holland said no money should be spent on giving Palmerston North a •better railway while other portions of the Dominion had none. Mr. Massey said this work had been strongly recommended by three experts, and personal inspection satisfied him I bhat it was necessary, while the Borough Council were pressing for it to enable them to proceed with certain works which had been approved by the ratepayers. He could not give an assurance that the work would be delayed for a year. Mr. Field then moved that the vote "be reduced by £100, as an indication that the work should not be proceec;d with. The motion was negatived by 31 to 15. The Government Railways Amendment Bill, introduced by Governor's Message, will 'be discussed on Monday night. The House rose at 2.24 till 2.30 on Monday.