Extensive Railway Works

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 249, 22 October 1935, Page 6

Extensive Railway Works

Great Easements on New Plymouth Line

JjARGE NUMBERS OF WORKERS REQUIRED

Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Last Night

Extensive railway works to be carried out by the Railways Board in conjunction with the Unemployment Board were aanouuecd to-night by the Minister of Railways (Hon. G. \V. Forbes.) The most important of these, the casement of the steep grade on the Marton-New Plymouth main lino is estimated to cost £303,000. ( The grade on the North Island main trunk lino between Grentford and Kukariki will be eased at a cost of approximately £26,000. Many minor grades on tlie lines in both islands will also be improved, 1.10 railway houses will have hot-water services installed and the WellingtonJohnson ville line will be electrified when suitable arrangements can be made.

Mr. Forbes al a stated Lhut the Wellington station and terminal yards now in course of construction would be ready for use early in 1937 and that the work would be pushed ahead with this object in view. Mr. Forbes explained that these works, including the Turakinn-Okoia casement wurk of considerable magnitude had bccn-dcsigued by the Railways Board in conjunction with an inter-depart mental 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 railways service would constitute a work of national importance. The grade easement on the New Plymouth line would reduce considerably the cost cf haulage and maintenance and would also make possible better and smoother transport for passengers. Other grades in both islands would be improved with smaller beneficial results.