THE INTERIOR RAILWAY.

Otago Witness, Issue 1340, 4 August 1877, Page 7

THE INTERIOR RAILWAY.

BLAIRTAIEKI TO AIMES. The following is the official report by Mr R. Hay, Engineer to the Taieri County Council :— In accordance with my instructions, I have made, in conjunction with Mr Browne, Engineer to the Maniototo County Council, a recunnaisance survey of a further portion of the proposed railway line to the interior, extending from BlairUieri to Aimes, being dis tant about six miles in a southerly direction from Naseby ; and a junction ia here effected with the line already surveyed by Mr Coyle between Waihemo and Clyde. I have now the honour to submit the following report for your information : — On leaving the Blairtaieri the line would take an almost direct course to Mr Main's station, through the Strath taieri plains, leaving Mr Humphrey's homestead on the right hand in close proximity to the line, and maintaining a distance from the Taieri River varying from 40 to 80 chains. The country through which this portion of the proposed railway passes ia of a character highly suitable for the necessary works of construction, and for a distance of nine miles the average gradient would be 1 in 475, and the earthworks merely consist of surface formation, while gravel for ballasting purposes and stone for culverts are in close proximity to the line of route. _ From Mr Main's Station for a distance of eight .miles the average gradient would be almost as easy, namely, 1 in 422 ; though the country assumes a slightly broken character, intersected by numerous small creeks, and a more sinuous line will be necessary, in order to avoid the high spurs running down to the banks of the river. On this portion of the line the culverts and small bridges will form the principal items of cost, but either stone for building or Bhingle for concrete could be obtained in abundance, and in close proximity to the works. A careful reconnaisance was made with a view of carrying the line through Hyde, but though feasible, to reach the centre of the township by employing heavy gradients for a short distance, it was found that the saddle to the north of Hyde presented an obstacle only to bo overcome by a tunnel half a-mile long, and very severe gradients in order to descend to the river again for the purpose of crossing into the Maniototo Plains. It was therefore found expedient to continue the line along the banks of the river, the gradients flattening to 1 in 462 for the n»xt aeven miles. The only difficulties on this section of the line are the projecting rocky bluffs— three in number — which will require a heavy expenditure being incurred for a short distance. The ground between these Bluffs consists of long flat terraces, and the expense of terming the line over these would be trifling. The Capbum requires openings for about 60 feet of waterway. The Taieri would be crossed at a v ery favourable site, and the iine finally leave the banks of the river about two miles below the Taieri lake and rising on to the terraces i J?° Ye the Kyeburn with a gradient of in lin .After passing over the Kyeburn about 1£ mile_ below Mallnch's accommodation house, gradients of 1 in 55 will be necessary for cross ing toe dividing ridge on the west side of the Kyeburn. The length of the steeper gradients will be about one mile, ascending and de scending. The bridge over the Kyeburn would require to be of considerable length, though not necessarily of long spans. An alternative line ia shown on plan by which the gradients may be eased, but the length is increased, while a considerable divergence is made from the direct line of route. Having crossed this ridge or terrace, an average gradient of 1 in. 104 would carry the line over an easy and undulating country to the Hogburn creek, in the immediate vicinity of a house known as " Aimes'a." _ From this point a branch line about six tnile3 in length could be carried up the Hogburn. gully to Naseby with an average eradient of 1 in 55, the cost of construction being very inexpsnsive. I append a plan showing the route of the proposed line as act forth in the re toit

APPROXIMATE ESTIMATE. Dunedin to Mcsgiel ... 9 miles constructed Mosgiel to end of constructed line ... 2 To Blair Taieri ... 29 L 161.000 Blair Taieri to Aimes's 33 136,050 73 L 297.050 m With respect to the above estimate, I consider it a liberal one, the various worksbridges, culverts, &c— being taken into full consideration in forming an estimate of the total approximate cost of constructing the line to the interior as far as reported upon. — I am &c, R. Hat, Engineer.