Railways Under Construction.

Southland Times, Issue 9540, 9 June 1887, Page 2

Railways Under Construction.

(FBOM OTJB OWff CORBESPONDENT). [B? Telegraph.] Wellington, Jane 8. Following are extracts from the Eagineer in Chief's report on railways under construction : — Catlina River Branch — A contract was prepared for the formation of five miles of this line, but on further consideration it was decided to keep the work in band so as to famish work daring the winter, when there is always so much surplus labour available. Arrangements are being made to commence work. Wai-mea-Switzera Branch — Tenders are now advertised for laying the permanent way on the two miles between Kiversdalo Junction and the Mataura River. A contract forjthe Mataura bridge^and approaches is in prfiptration and nearly ready to advertise. Edf-ndale Branch— A contract is now advertised for the Glenbam section, 1 mile 66 chains in length. It includes a tunnel ten chains long and some heavy earth work, together with the formation of a station yard at the terminus. This section brings the line to the crossing of the main road near Glenham station and 9 miles 36 chains from Edendale junction — Seaward Bush branch, — The Kilbrony sectioD, 6£ miles in length, was completed and opened for tiaffic on 9th July, 1886. A further length ot 6 miles and 8 chains (the Oteramika section) haa bean cleared and formed by petty contracts. A working and land plan survey hai been made of the continuation of the Seaward Bush line to the Tois Toia district, the total length of the branch being 23 miles 26 chains. It joins tho extension of the Elendale-Toi Toia line at a point 18 miles from Edendale. The works on the Invercargill-Toi Tois line are light throughout, aad the levels are good. A land plan survey for the lover* cargill-Biuff section has been completed, Invercargill - Kingston railway with branches (works on open lines)— the uanal amount of additions and improvements of a minor character have been oarried out during the year. A small groin built at the Ring way station to prevent the enoraacbment of the Aparima river was in June destroyed by the" Bam* floods that damaged the Olntha works. It has been repaired. On the LumadenMararoa branch the Mossburn section, four milea 10 chains in length, was fiaifhed and opened for traffic on tho 220 d January, 1887. This brings the line to the new township of Mosßburn, on the* Aparima watershed, 10 miles 40 chains from L umerl en Junction. The land plans survey of the Mossbum section has been completed. [It is evident that this report was pre* 1 pared several weeks ago, aa works are spoken of as to let which are cow 2o I haad. — Ed.]