NEW RAILWAY LINK

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 116, 12 November 1931, Page 14

NEW RAILWAY LINK

AUCKLAND AND TARANAKI CONNECTION WITHIN A YEAR It is anticipated that the StratfordMain Trunk railway lino will be completed within a year, provided the present rate of progress is maintained. This allows time for the big task of clearing up (states a New Plymouth correspondent). Communication between the t,wo sections, Ohura, and Tangarakau, which constitute the last stage of the work, should be established by July next, according to the Public Works Statement. Inspection shows that only a few miles between the railheads beyond Tangarakau and Ohura now remain unruiled. The actual track formation has been pushed on fi'om the east and w*est railheads, although in varying degrees of completion in parts, until pnly a few chains of tunnel remain to be pierced to make the first real connection. The two ends are to meet in the middle of the tunnel known as No. 4 from Tangarakau. This has been pierced from both sides until only eight chains separate the Tangarakau section workers from the Ohura men. Work is now being concentrated in this tunnel, which is the biggest job facing the constructors. Other works include the completion of two bridges, the finishing touches to a few cuttings, two diversions, plate-layiug,- and ballasting.

In effect, from Stratford to Tahora, a distance of 47 miles, tho lino is in operation, and from Tahora to the peg at 54 miles 30 chains, nearly four miles past Tangarakau, the permanent way is down. Similarly •on the other sidefrom Okahukura to past Ohura the track has boon laid. Between Tangarakau and Ohura lies tho biggest task. From Tangarakau to No. & tunnel is only a six miles stretch, while tho Ohura section extends over nearly 20 miles.