S. ISLAND MAIN TRUNK

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 236, 18 September 1936, Page 8

S. ISLAND MAIN TRUNK

Railhead Advancing in Clarence Section

F-JSW PLANT EXPECTED

By Telegraph—Press Association. BLENHEIM, September 13. Increased weekly since the word was given to resume work, there are now 1’65 men engaged on the northern section of tho gap in the South Island Main Trunk. It is understood that it is planned to have 400 between Wharanui and Hapuku river, near Kaikoura. Of tho 265, about one hundred are at present employed between Wharanui and tho Clarence river, clearing the existing formation, removing slips and planting marram grass to prevent the sand drifting from the dunes skirting the seashore. It is proposed to complete the section to tho Clarence as early as possible in order to advance the railhead for the delivery of plant and material further south than Wharanui, which is the present headquarters. The plans for tho Clarence bridge are nearing completion, and it is anticipated that tenders for this major work will be invited shortly. The main construction work south of the Clarence is now being prepared at Aniseed, where Public W’orks headquarters will shortly be established. The shortage of timber for workmen’s accommodation has been overcome. Overy thirty carpenters are en- ' gaged in erecting hutments, recreation halls and other buildings. A modern construction plant, which has been on order for some time, including six Diesel excavators on creeper tracks with shovel and dragline equipment and six Diesel five-ton locomotives, as well as air-compressors and complete workshop equipment, are expected at the end of October.