RAILWAY WORKS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 18, 23 January 1939, Page 6

RAILWAY WORKS

THE PICTON SECTION

MUCH WORK AHEAD

(By Telegraph—Press .Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, January 22. A statement that the Picton section would be the scene of exceptional activity this year was, made by the Minister of Railways, (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan) today: "After a long period of unavoidable delay," he said, "work has begun on the construction of a 960 ft. steel and concrete railway bridge over the Wairau River. The contractors now have about 40 men employed on the bridge foundations. Another undertaking of importance* to the district is the renewal (for the first time) of the fender piles of the Picton wharf, which was constructed about twentysix years ago." The Minister said that as soon as workmen could be released from seasonal occupations-other railway works would be pushed along with renewed vigour. "Grade easements and a reduction of sharp curves on the PictonBlenheim line," he said, "will keep a large number of men busy for some time. Bridge renewals, construction of crossing loops, alterations to station yards, the re-laying of the track with 701b. rails and the ballasting of the line will entail much time, labour, and material. , "Altogether the works mentioned, considered in conjunction with the new line now under construction between Wharanui and Parnassus, will (contribute materially to the progress land prosperity of the- Marlborough province as well as of North Canterbury." J