The Star.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume III, Issue 303, 20 September 1882, Page 2

The Star.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1882. THE RAILWAY. ♦ It ia always difficult to predict what progress will be made with public works within a district, but it is generally safe to calculate on a considerable margin of time between the date fixed for the completion of a work and the actual opening. In regard to the time between Manutahi and Wanganui, we understand that although the completion of the contract was fixed for the end of February, it is probable that it cannot be completed before the end of May or June. One very heavy cutting. has to be completed in the Whenuakura con,tract, ,wfyip)i w t ill probably take until .nearly June to finish, We still hold that' it would' be sound policy on the feart'of 'th' 6' Government to offer a bonus to the contractors for every week saved on what might be fixed as the utmost limit of time to be allowed.

was found that very much more rapid progress was obtained by introducing a system of rewards for quick time, instead of attempting to inflict punishment for delay. The line is now finished to Whenuakura, but owing to there being no means of access to the station at present (the road line running across a gully), nothing has yet been done to open this section. Those who know the route of the railway fixed between Hawera and Manutahi, aver that there is very little heavy work, and that if deemed advisable, the whole could be completed within 12 or 18 months from now. The survey work is just about completed, and it only remains to take out working plans and sections before calling tenders. It is to be hoped that no unnecessary delay will be allowed to intervene. When the line is open to Manutahi the authorities expect that the morning mails leaving Wanganui will reach Hawera in about four and a half hours, thus greatly reducing the time now required for the through trip.