RAILWAY WORKS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 278, 22 October 1935, Page 8

RAILWAY WORKS.

ABSORPTION OF UNEMPLOYED. ALTERATIONS - NEAR MARTON. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Oct. 21. Extensive railway works to he carried out by the Railways Board in conjunction with the Unemployment Board were announced to-night by the Minister of Railways (Hon. G. W. Forbes). The most important of' these, the easement of the steep grade on the Marton-New. Plymouth main line, is estimated to cost £365,000. The grade on the North Island Mam Trunk line between Greatford and Ivakariki will he eased at a cost of approximately £26,000. Many minor grades on the lines in both Islands will also be improved, 110 railway houses will have hot water services installed., and the WellingtonJohnsonville line will be electrified when suitable arrangements can be made. Mr Forbes also stated that the Wellington station and terminal yards now in course of construction would be ready for use early in 1937, and that the work would he pushed ahead with this object in view. Mr Forbes explained that these works, including the Turakina-Okoia easement work of considerable magnitude, had been designed by the Railways Board in conjunction with an inter-departmental committee on public works as the board’s contribution to the programme for the relief of unemployment recently decided on. The plan would absorb a large number of unemployed workers for a long period, and the improvements to the railway service would constitute a work of national importance. The grade easement on the New Plymouth line would reduce considerably the cost of haulage and maintenance and would also make possible better and smoother transport for passengers. Other grades in both Islands would be improved with similar beneficial results.