NORTH FROM WAIOTIRA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18567, 27 November 1923, Page 9

NORTH FROM WAIOTIRA.

CONTINUING MAIN TRUNK.

RAPID PROGRESS OF WORK.

EARLY USE ANTICIPATED.

Rapid progress is "being made on the construction of the North Auckland Mail. Trunk Railway, north from Waiotira Junction. About 400 men are employed on this work as far north as Fukehuia and the district engineer, Mr. J. McEnnis, hopes that some sort of temporary track will be available to settlers by the end of the summer. Rail connection would thus be given between Auckland or Whangarei, and the important producing district in the upper Wairoa 'Valley. North of Pukehuia, surveys are being made in the direction of Ririkopuni, the terminal point for the time being of the Main Trunk system. Construction will be commenced on this section within the next few months. The only difficulty is the building of a ■ large bridge across the Wairoa River, which is still tidal at this point. About a mile across the river is situated Paradise Junction, where the Mangakahia and VVhangarei-Dargaville roads meet, and here the railhead is likely to be stationary tor some time. From this point a railway route to Dargavillo has been explored, although construction has not yet been authorised. But what the Pokeno-Paeroa loop is to the East Coast line, this branch represents in the northern system. It will give direct railway communication between Dargaville and Auckland or Whangarei and also link up the existing Kaihu railway with the northern trunk system. The chief difficulties on the WaiotiraPukelmia section are the Tokatoka and Omana tunnels, about 1100 ft. and 1300 ft. long respectively. Tunnelling is proceeding steadily l on both works. At Tokatoka the country has proved difficult a u both ends, slips being especially troublesome at the northern end. It is expected to reach harder country in about six weeks, when progress will be very rapid. The country at Omana is described by Mr. McEnnis as probably the, heaviest experienced in the north end very great t obstacles are constantly being overcome in driving the tunnel. Bad slips filled with trees have come down, but another three months should suffice to reach harder country and better conditions.

Jig lines operated by steam winches placed on the hill tops are hauling all the material required ahead of the tunnels. Tramlines are used for transport on the northern side in each case. The general

formation of the line to Pukehuia should be finished within six months and the tunnels four months later. Prior to the' latter date, it is anticipated that platelaying and ballasting will he proceeding. The completion of this rai'way will provide a steel highway direct rom Auckland to the rich flats of the Wairoa River, reaching the latter at a point where it is still navigable.