PICTON RAILWAY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 23 January 1939, Page 8

PICTON RAILWAY

NEW BRIDGE OVER WAIRAU OTHER WORK CONTEMPLATED I United Press Association! CHRISTCHURCH, 22nd January. A statement that the Picton section would be the scene of exceptional activity this year was made by the Minis- 1 ter of Railways (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan) to-day. “After a long period of unavoidable delay,” he said, “work has been begun on the construction of a 960- i ft steel and concrete railway bridge over the Wairau river. The contractors, the Rope Construction Co., now have about 40 men employed on the bridge foundations. “Another undertaking of importance to the district is the renewal (for the first time) of the fender piles of the Picton wharf which was constructed about 26 years ago.” The Minister remarked that as soon as workmen could be released from seasonal occupations other railway works woulld be pushed along with renewed vigour. “Grade easements and the reduction of sharp curves on the Picton-Blen-heim line,” said Mr Sullivan, “will keep a large number of men busy for some time. Bridge renewals, the construction of crossing loops, alterations to station yards, the re-laying of track with 701 b rails and ballasting of the line will entail much time, labour and material altogether,” he continued. “The works mentioned, considered in conjunction with the new line now under construction between Wharanui and Parnassus will contribute materially to the progress and prosperity of the long-neglected Marlborough province, as well as of North Canterbury.”