NEW RAILWAY
PAEROA-POKENO LINK EARLY START ON WORK INSTRUCTIONS TO PROCEED THE CABINET'S DECISION [BY TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON, Wednesday Following on a decision by the Cabinet instructions have gone forward to the Public Works Department to proceed with the construction of the Paeroa-l'okeno railway, and actual operations are to start in the near future. This statement was made today by the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. R. Semple, who has accepted an invitation to officiate at the turning of the first sod at Paeroa when the necessary preliminary details have been completed. Reduction of Distance ' The piopi'.sed line will cover a distance of 42 miles 69 chains," said Mr. Semple," and will reduce the distance between Auckland and Paeroa by 4o utiles (39 chains. This saving of distance will also apply to stations beyond Paeroa, including the Bay of Plenty area. " The standard of construction allowed for is that of a first-class main line, with heavy rails, easy curvature and a steepest gradient of 1 in 100. so that the fastest express service will be possible. There is fairly deep peat in portion ol' the area to be traversed, but no engineering difficulties are anticipated. Accommodation for Workmen "A limited number of mechanical units will be employed on the construction work, which, when fully manned, will provide employment for about 450 men. it is expected that the earthworks will be completed in a little over two years. The provision of accommodation for workmen will be the first matter to receive attention by the department, and an immediate start will be made on this work. There is already a works office established at the Paeroa end, and it is expected that a further works office will be set up at Pokeno, with other" members of the staff located at suitable camps en route."
A vote of £7-3,000. is included in the Public Works estimates this year to provide for the start of operations on the new line, and the entire work is estimated to cost something over £1,000,000. '
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Bibliographic details
New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22859, 14 October 1937, Page 12
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339NEW RAILWAY New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22859, 14 October 1937, Page 12
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