TONGARIRO RAILWAY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 3 September 1925, Page 2

TONGARIRO RAILWAY.

NEW PROGRAMME ADOPTED. Amended regulations imposing conditions for the construction of a railway from Kakahi to Lake Taupo by the Tongariro Timber Company, Ltd., are contained in an Order-in-Council published last week. The regulations contemplate a contract between Cammed, Laird and Company, Ltd., the well-known British engineering firm, or some other approved corporation, and a new company, the Tongariro Railway Company, Ltd., the formation of which, with a nominal capital of not less than £25,000, is to be procured by the Tongariro Timber Company. The latter company is made by the regulations responsible for procuring the contractors to enter into the contract. The period in which the timber company is bound to complete the railway is extended to seven years from JanUary 1, 1925, and the first 18 miles from Kakahi railway station are to be completed within three years from September 1, 1925. Passengers and goods, timber and flax excepted, are to be carried over the completed portion of the line as it progresses, and fares and freights are not to exceed those charged on Government branch lines. At least one train is to be run over the full length of the line weekly after its completion. The construction is to be in conformity with specifications already approved by the Public Works Depai*tment. Upon the expiry of 25 years from the completion of the contract period, the Tongariro Railway Company is to proceed with the construction of tunnels and all other works necessary to bring the line up to the standard of Government branch lines, subject to certain limitations respecting curves and grades. Provision is made for the issue of, debentui’es by the railway company as security for a loan to carry out the original construction work and for the protection of the line in the event of assignments, mortgages, _ etc. The timber company is required to give the Crown a charge over the line as security for the performance by the railway company of its obligations.