SOUTH ISLAND RAILWAY

Southland Times, Issue 22998, 18 September 1936, Page 7

SOUTH ISLAND RAILWAY

Work On Northern

Section

(United Press Association.)

Blenheim, September 17.

There are now 265 men engaged on the northern section of the gap in the South Main Trunk line. It is planned to have 400 men between Wharanui and the Kapuku river, near Kaikoura. Of the total, 100 men are now employed between Wharanui and the Clarence river, clearing the existing formation, removing slips and planting marram grass to prevent sand drifting from the dunes skirting the seashore. It is proposed to complete the section to the Clarence river as early as possible in order to advance the railhead for the delivery of plant and material further south than Wharanui, which is the present headquarters. The plans for the Clarence river bridge are nearing completion, and it is anticipated that tenders for this major work will be invited shortly. A main construction camp south of the Clarence river is now being prepared at Aniseed, where headquarters shortly will be established. A shortage of timber for the workmen’s accommodation has been overcome and over 30 carpenters are engaged in erecting hutments, recreation halls and other buildings. Modern construction plant, which has been on order for some time, including six Diesel excavators on creeper tracks, with shovel and dragline equipment six Diesel five-ton locomotives, as well as air compressors and complete workshop equipment, is expected at the end of October.