PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 22 November 1932, Page 6

PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT

TABLED TO-DAY

WELLING I‘ON, November 22.

The Hon. C. E. Macmillan (acting Minister of Public Works) delivered the Public Works Statement in the House this afternoon in. which tire following reference's are made. Westport-lnangr.hua Railway.—As a result of the Railway Board’s report construction work on thiis line cea- ed on the 21,st. October, 1931, with the exception of the. sinking of cylinders for the Cascade Bridge. As the plant had been assembled and the staging wus in readiness, the Government 'decided to- complete sinking all the cylinders. Two sets have been placed in position, and the third and last set is almost down to the required level l . The heading of the tunnel on the Hawk’s Crag Section at 13 miles 41 chains w.s driven a further 362 ft., making a total driven to date 543 ft. A substantial reinforeed-concrete bridge cf three 20ft. spans were erected at 26 miles 27 chains on the Orikaka Section. Since October all plant and machinery has been overhauled and satisfactorily housed.

The Public Works Department has 7nnn.ia.ined the railway to 9 miles, so that, the Railway Department could transport coal from the Cascade Coal Co.’s mine to Westport. HARBOURS. Tin? expenditure on harbour-works ]>tiis been comparatively small during the past year. At Westport the substantial drom in coal-export figures bag rendered it necessary to the most rigid economy and curtail staff wherever possible. All work on the training-walls extension has been stopped * and the qiv'rrrv elo "d. Dredging has also been restricted ns much as possible consistently with the necessity to maintain an adequate depth on the bar, in the channel, and at the berthages.

At Karamea work w?s completed on the restoraton of the old training, wall and the work clo~ed up. Unfortunately, the departure of earthquake debris in the harbour still continues, and at present the position as regards the . eonening of the pert is not very hopeful 1 .. In the meantime timber and stores are ' being shipped from Little- Wanganui, where minor works have 'een carried out. Plans and spec.i flea 1 ions were rrepT-'d for a large wharf the Chatham Islands, and tenders called, hut were declined. A few other w-rks were carried out in various localities, but generally on a much reduced seal o . Hokitika Mental Hospital.—A new villa was erected in wood, and wifi accommodate thirty-eight , p.atienrs. ET-ectric light was extendofl to the. farm buildings, wnter-s°rvice were .extended. ,°"d ..additional firehydrants installed.