RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 13611, 21 December 1909, Page 7

RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION.

As I have already mentioned, the length of the new railways opened for traffic during the year vyas greater than during any similar period for thirty yeare past. This was principally due to the "completion of the North Island Main Trunk Railway, which was handed over to the Railway Department for regular working on the loth February last. The total expenditure on railway works last year amounted to £1*349,110, which was £69,301 in excess of the previous year's total. The particulars are as under:— £ Construction of new lines (Public Works Fund) ... 713,121 Waikaka Branch Railway Account ■•• ••• 13,391 State Coal Mines Account ... 24,984 Additions to open lines ... 389,672 Hutt Railway and Road Improvement' Account ... 66,408 Railways Improvements Authorisation Act Account. 141,534 Total £1,349,110 I will now refer more in detail to the several railways that have been in hand, and the proposals of the Government in regard to each for the current year. KAWAKAWA-GRAHAMTOWN. The work of closing up the gap between Kawakawa at the north, and Hukprenui at the south end, has been vigorously proceeded with throughout the year. The whole of the formation that" is not already finished is well in hand and nearing completion. A connection between the north and «>utb ends of the line thould be effected before next winter. Some further work

has also been done on the extension from Whantjan ito Grahamtown. The expenditure last year amounted to £32,616, and for the current year a vote of £40,000 is pronoscd. KAWAKAWA-KAIKOHE. A flying survey has been undertaken from the end of this line to Kaikohe and Hokianga Harbour. A railway along this route, in addition to opening up much fertile country in the Hokianj;a district, would also afford a valuable connection between the Kawakawa-Grahamtown Railway and the North Auckland Trunk Line, when the latter is extended as far as this. The immediate construction ot the line between Scoria Flat and Kaikohe is fully justified, as not only would the railway itself be a profitable undertaking, but it would also and expedite* the construction of the North Auckland Railway. It is therefore proposed to provide for the construe-, tion of this "railway in the Railways Authorisation Bill of the present session, and a vote of £2500 tr» make a commencement with the work -s provided on the Estimates. NORTH AUCKLAND. This railway has in previous years been referred to as the Helensville Northwards Line. While that title was quite suitable -when an extension of only a few miles northwards of Helensvilla was contemplate-!, it is scarcely the most opproviriai.. name to app'y to the line", which is now intended to traverse the whole of the North Auckland Peninsula, hence the new title. A largo amount of work was accomplished during the year, but less, doubtless, than would have been the case had there been no question as to the route to be followed by the line. No>v that the question of route has been settled, better progress will be made with the line. As regards the extension of the. "line northwards from ■McCarroll's, it is proposed to appoint a Royal Commission to sit during the recess, to take evidence as to the best route to be adopted. The expenditure on this railway last year amounted to £50,983, which was nearly double ihat of tho previous year. For ,the current year a voto of £80,000 is proposed.