RAIL FACILITIES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23839, 14 December 1940, Page 13

RAIL FACILITIES

GOOD PROGRESS MADE IMPROVEMENT WORKS OTAHUHU AND AUCKLAND Satisfaction with tlie progress of the station yard alterations at Otahuhu and \\estiield was expressed yesterday by the Minister of Railways, the Hon. I). G. Sulliv an. He said the works involved alterations to a number of private sidings, the owners of which had whole-heartedly co-operated with the department. "The extensive nature of the reorganisation schemes is already visible," -Mr. Sulliv an said. ''The provision of new sidings and a loading shelter, alterations and additions of vario.rt kinds, better facilities for the marshalling and shunting of trains, heavier rails, improved watering facilities for locomotives and the installation of modern electric power signalling apparatus will be conducive to the more efficient and expeditious handling of traffic." Mr. Sullivan also said departmental officers were concerned about congestion at the Auckland railway goods sheds, and added that steps were being taken to reduce the difficulties under which outward and inward goods were handled. It had been decided to build a new siding near the Goliath crane road to provide accommodation for an additional .'52 waggons, and it was probable that part-time accommodation would be available on part of the crane road for a further 21 waggons. "The position in regard to the inward goods shed is also acute, and calls for immediate attention," the Minister added. "The department's officers are now assembling the material required for an extension in steel and concrete of the inward shed. The dimensions of the extension will be 112 ft. by 101 .Jlt.*'