THE MANUTAHI RAILWAY.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume III, Issue 288, 16 August 1882, Page 2

THE MANUTAHI RAILWAY.

The last Gazette contains further notice of the taking of certain lauds for the Manutahi- Hukatere line. That is the portion between Manutahi Gorge and the old Maori pah where it was at one time proposed to have the branch live to Patea strike off. We understand that the portion gazetted extends as far as the Manutahi road, a district road joining the Main South road about a mile or so from Manutahi proper. It is understood that owing to the nature of the cuttings on the Whenuakura contract there is very little chance, or even possibility, of the work being finished within contract time ; which might easily have been ascertained by the Public Works Minister before making his statement, fixing an erroneous date last month. In respect to the line between Hawera aud Manutahi, we believe that the whole of the line has been located, and the permanent survey will very soon be completed. The work is heavy, but except at tho Manawapou, Tongahoe, and Manutahi gorges the present line is almost direct. There will be no tunuel on the line, and uo grade steeper than lin 50. The line is considered a satisfactory one by engineers, and is not likely to cost more than .£7,000 per mile, aud will probably be made for less. It has not yet been approved of by the head of the department, but probably will be shortly, and the gazetting of a further portion of the land taken, is expected in a day or two. It seems donbtful whether any further contracts will be let, until the new loan is floated, bnt judging by the tone of the debate in Parliament, it is intended to continue expenditure at the rate of one million per annum ; a very small share of which expenditure would suffice for the continuation of this live. The permanent survey work includes the balancing of cuttings and embankments and approximate estimates of the number of cubic yards of earth to be shifted, consequently the work entailed, especially during such weather as has recently prevailed, takes time. The line runs in the course already indicated bj r us, viz., from the Manutahi Gorge across the flat to the Manawapou inland of tho main road. Crossing the main Toad, near Manawaupou bridge, from thence it rims along the peaward side of the road to Hicks' gully, which it follows, and continues along the seaward side of the main road, \mtil it passes Mr. Bayly's farm, from which point it will run nearly in a direct line to the Hawera railway Btation. The Gazette notices last published are the final notices required to complete the Crown title after all compensations claims have been dealt with.