STRATFORD-MAIN TRUNK

Taranaki Daily News, 13 July 1933, Page 6

STRATFORD-MAIN TRUNK

VALUE OF NEW RAILWAY USE AS A MAIN ROUTE. WANGANUI SECTION AGAINST IT. Following the growth of a rumour at Stratford that it was possible the central Main Trunk line might be closed for repairs and Auckland-Wellington traffic diverted through Stratford the News made inquiries that elicited the information that such was not the intention. The reasons given were that any repairs necessary to the Main Trunk could be made without stopping traffic and that the construction standard, not of the new Stratford-Main Trunk link, but of the Wanganui section, would necessarily restrict train loads to a point well below those carried on the Main Trunk. In view of these facts information was given a reporter yesterday by Mr. P. Keller, district Public Works engineer at Stratford, containing comparisons in the construction of the lines concerned. Concerning the Stratford-Main Trunk line, said Mr. Keller, opinion had prevailed, although it was not so strong now, that the line was not suitable either for heavy loads or for fast travelling. That impression was erroneous. The steepest grades were of one in 50 except for two extremely short sections of one in 45 between the Whangamomona tunnel and the township. The sharpest curves were of 7J-chain radius, but there were very few of these. Furthermore, added Mr. Keller, all curves were compensated for curvature on grades by a lessening of grade. It had been true that the bridges on the earlier constructed eastern end had been unable to take the heavier engines, but the replacement of these bridges had been attended to gradually.

With the replacement of all the weaker bridges, said Mr. Kellar, the line instead of being limited to WW class engine loads with a tractive effort of 17,0001 b. would be able to take main line AB engines with a tractive effort of 20,0001 b. The relative train loads on level grades for those engine types were 390 and 430 tons respectively, but actually the one in 45 grades mentioned limited the WW train loads to 210 tons. As a comparison it might be pointed out that a WW train load on the Main Trunk railway between' Taumarunui and National Park would be limited to 185 tons. There were one in 50 grades uncompensated for. -urvature. The worse grades and curvature in the North Island, went on Mr. Keller, were within 14 miles both north and south of Wanganui. The Aramoho to Westmere incline was one in 35 for four miles and had nearly 30 curves, many of only six chains radius and none flatter than 13J chains. The WW load there was limited to 155 tons. Wangaehu to Baker’s crossing was a stretch of 3J miles of one in 35 grade, and it had about 20 curves of from 5 to 13 chains radius, with a similar load limitation. The Kai Iwi to Maxwell grade was little better with a WW limit of 175 tons. All those factors were against north-moving traffic. South moving traffic had load limitations of 170 tons on the Waitotara-Westmere section, 160 tons on the Okoia-Fordell stretch and 180 tons on the WahgaehuTurakina section, all these figures being for WW engines.

“The distance from Wellington to Auckland is 55 miles longer via Stratford than by the direct central route,” concluded Mr. Keller, “and this extra distance would be no great handicap for a fast through service were it not for the heavy slow sections in the vicinity, of Wanganui. It is perfectly clear that had the older sections of the Marton to Stratford line been constructed to the same standards of grade and curvature as the Stratford to Okahukura railway, the new link would have furnished a formidable rival to the Main Trunk railway.” RAWHTHROA GOLF BALL. SUCCESSFUL SOCIAL EVENT. The second annual ball of the Rawhitiroa Golf Club was held on Tuesday, the event again being a pronounced social success. With a large attendance of local residents and visitors from Eltham, Mangamingi, Mangatoki and surrounding districts, and bright music played by the Ambassadors’ Dance Band, the dance was thoroughly enjoyable. The hall was decorated in red, orange and lemon streamers, in the centre there being a design of balloons and coloured lights. Ferns around the walls completed the decorations. The ladies of the district arranged the supper. The president, Mr. R. J. Knuckey, extended a cordial welcome to the visitors on behalf of the club. He thanked the ladies who had decorated the hall and worked so hard to make the ball a success. Mr. D. Silver was master of ceremonies and extras were given by Mr. A. M. Wilson, Misses Gwen Silver and Esther Cocker. Monte Carlo dances were won by Mr. J. C. Best and Mrs. L. T. Quin, Mr. and Mrs. R. Coppiestone. ELTHAM TALKIES. "SIX YEARS TO LIVE.” "Six Hours to Live,” showing at Eltham to-night, is made to order for those who have tired of the conventional in motion picture entertainment. It is a powerful romantic drama far above the usual. International intrigue, mystery and romance are combined in a masterly manner in the production. Warner Baxter has one of the most colourful roles of his career as Captain Paul Onslow, representing the European country of Sylvaria at a peace conference at Geneva. The scenes depicting the conference are very impressive as the diplomats engage in t debate of international trade. All are satisfied with a proposed treaty except Captain Onslow, and he delivers an impassioned plea for his country which will be ruined if the agreement is signed. The delegate refuses to attach his signature and as the treaty is not valid without the consent of every country, the conference is adjourned. Captain Onslow’s attitude antagonises powerful interests and they plan to get rid of him. Sylvania's delegate is strangled in his hotel. But his murderers are outmanoeuvred by Professor Otto Bauer, an eccentric scientist, who has a certain prescription that will prolong life for six hours. He administers the prescription to the dead man, who comes back to life—but only for six hours. Much has to be done in the allotted time, and Warner Baxters characterisation of a man with a changed perspective is magnificent.