THE MIDLAND RAILWAY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 7890, 4 June 1887, Page 2

THE MIDLAND RAILWAY.

PROGRESS OF THE LINE.

(Peb United Phess Association.)

t 4.v rr a. . . Wellington, June 3. «r i OUSe to'lll^. Minister of Public Works made the following statement regarding work on the Midland railway : —As soon as the company had been floated and the contract assigned, the directors decided to let at once a contract for the construction of a portion of the line. It was found that the only portion which could be let at once and which was readily accessible was that from Brunnerton to Teremakau, as the surveys of that portion were knowu to be accurate, and would not require alteration, while the other portions of the line either had no working surveys, or those which had been made required revision. The arrangements for letting the Brunnerton-Teremakau contract, a length of about 28 miles, were concluded in London in August, aud in October the representatives of the company and the contractors had arrived in the colony. The preliminary arrangements for acquiring land aud commencing work necessarily occupied a considerable time, but before the end of December the contractors had actually commenced work, although the formal turning of the first sod did not take place until the 24th January to allow the presence of the deputy chairman of the company. The contractors since then have kept steadily at work. They have done some of the work by their own men, and have in addition let four sub-contracts for a total length of about 17 miles. The first of these sub - contractors has already finished his work, which completes the first section of the line to Stillwater junction, with the exception of the bridge at Stillwater, the construction of which has been delayed by the very high floods which took place on the West Coast during the months of February and March, and with the exception of the alterations in the Stillwater station grounds required by the Government surveyor. In addition to the work of formation of permanent i way, the company and contractors have purchased up to date of last advices a large quantity of rolling stock and railway material—viz., 2200 tons rails, 4 locomotives (24 tons weight each), 22 waggons, 3 brake vans (bogie), and about 5000 tons of various materials. Of these 500 tons are rails. Twenty-seven waggons, three brake vanp, and about 1000 tons various have al:6ady been delivered in the Colony. Borne of the rails are already laid, aud the trucks are being employed in addition to the Government rolling stock in carrying material from the port to the works. A locomotivb has also arrived, which is being put together at Greymouth. It is expected that trains will be running on the first section by, the end of August next, and that a further portion of the line will be open in September, others following shortly after. A section of eight miles has been let on the line from Stillwater to Brunnerton. A staff of engineers, consisting of three parties, is employed under the direction of Messrs Carruthers and Wilson, chief engineers to the company, and Mr Napier Bell resident engineer in the colony", is surveying the portions of the line which require alterations or resurvey. '