The Proposed Gisborne and Ormond Railway.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 832, 11 July 1879, Page 2

The Proposed Gisborne and Ormond Railway.

The following is the joint report of the Borough and County Engineers on the probable cost of construction of the above line : — Gisborne, 4th July, 1879. In accordance with your request we have the honor to submit for your information and guidance the following "general report" in re Railway from the port of Gisborne to Ormond, and adjacent lands. The attached plan shows the proposed route from Gisborne. to Ormond, following the main road. The calculations are based upon our previous report, and estimating the cost of construction at £1360 per mile, assumed, that no outlay would be required for the purchase of land for railway purposes ; but a saving in distance would be effected to the extent of about one and a half miles, by going through private property. Against this saving in distance, we estimate the increased expense in acquiring the land necessary (say one chain wide) would necessitate a further outlay of about £300 per mile, making a total of £1600 per mile, or a gross total of £20,900 for the 13 miles ; against which expenditure we have in hand 600 tons of steel rails, (281b5.), fish plates, and bolta. We are, therefore, of opinion, that having the material, 13 miles of permanent way and rolling stock could be constructed for the original estimate, viz., £1300 per mile. The attached plan shows the whole of the blocks of land already in the possession of, or in process of being acquired by the Government, within a radius of 30 miles of the line of the proposed railway amounting in the aggregate to 650,000 acres, and 250,000* acres already in the hands of the settlers, the majority of which (specially the" latter) consists of first-class agricultural, and pastoral lands, which, in the absence of direct conr.nunication with the Port, are virtually closed at present. Road formations between the Port and Ormond are in progress, but without a railway the cost of road works will cost at least 50 per cent, and the transit of goods, such as wool, timber, produce and other miscellaneous articles will be increased about the same, and in fact during the winter months every description of traffic is almost entirely suspended. We have been unable to compile reliable statistics as to the tonnage of goods, passengers traffic, &c, wliich would render the line remunerative, but have no doubt that the projected line when constructed would return fair interest for the outlay incurred. The rails on hand being 281bs, we are of opinion that the narrow guage should be used, viz., 3ft 6in, with light engines of from 10 to 12 tons weight.

The whole line presents a flab and uniform gradient, with the exception of about 35 chains, which traverses the old river bed near 'Ortnoud, aud will require to be graded. The whole cost of construction ought to be oompleted at the minimum price for such works. In the absence of working drawings and sections, we append an approximate estimate for permanent way and rolling stock, which we consider adequate for the requirements of the district for some years to come ; also a comparative estimate of cost of constructing a permanent line of railway, and • that of metalling roads. We are of opinion that for the welfare of this district, the local bodies should use their best endeavours to raise a substantial loan, or procure assistance from the Government for the carrying out of this scheme. Gbo. Winter, County Engineer. John Drummond, Borough Engineer. According to the estimates of the County Council and Borough Engineers, the approximate cost of 13 miles of railway from Gisborne to Ormond, versii3' metalling road for the same distance, would be for rail way, £17,862 ; or cost per mile, £1389 10s. For metalled road, £31,414 ; or £2416 9s 3d per mile. Thus a railway would be cheaper by £13,552.