The Midland Railway.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 6235, 6 June 1890, Page 3

The Midland Railway.

Progress upon the Midland Railway is becoming very marked day by day. The bridge over the Ahaura will soon bo completed, while from that river to the Big Grey most of the formation contracts are out of the hands of the sub contractors. Plutelaying upon this section of the lino will soon bo started, and wo may look forward very shortly to seeing the iron horse careering the whple way to the Big Grey. At this stream, works are in progress for the sinking of the cylinders for the bridge, and two of these are already built, ready for placing in position, while a short run of line has been branched off to the terrace at this end of Totura Flat, where an incxboustable supply of excellent gravel can be obtained for cement, plate-lay-ing, or other purposes. From the Big Grey to Little Grey, the same forwardness is observable in the formation work, while flag stations, station buildings, and commodious and handsome residences for the employes of the Company are erected along the whole length. At the Grey side of the Saddle, where the formation work becomes heavier, good progress is being made, although it is not so noticablo as upon the flat lands of the Grey Valley. The approaches to the tunnel on each side of the Saddle are being vigorously pushed on, but operations upon the Roefton side are being greatly hampered by the country slipping in. Most of the c ncreto culverts have been completed by Mr Rees to the end of his contract, and have as firm an appearance as real rock. The increase in traffic upon the country roads, consequent upon such prodigious works being in execution, is considerable, and nearly the whole of the road from the Big Grey is showidg signs of the wear and tear of the last few months. From Squaretown to the Saddle is a most laborious drive, the road having been cut up dreadfully, and as the sun never gets to it at this time of the year, it is a regular slough. In face of the recent large development in carrying material for the railway works, it would be charitable, as well as Just, if the county authorities were to lend assistance to the maintenance contractors along the main Grey road. —Reef ton Gtiarclian.