EAST COAST RAILWAY LINE

Taranaki Daily News, 19 December 1933, Page 5

EAST COAST RAILWAY LINE

“STRONG CASE FOR COMPLETION.” PUBLIC WORKS ENGINEER’S REPORT ✓ _______ By Telegraph—Press Association. Gisborne, Dec. 16. A strong case in favour of the completion of the Gisborne railway is made apparent by the report of Mr. O. G. Thornton, Public Works Department engineer, who was by Government consent employed by the local railway committee to prepare data and estimates. In connection with the Waikokopu-Gisbome section this report, which was released to-day, intimates that the total cost of completion, including 10 per cent, for contingencies, is estimated at £1,046,613. The Kopuawhara section of nearly 11 miles will cost £253,063, the main items being grading £92,645, bridges £58,707, ballast etc. £34,196, tunnels £33,979. The bridges on this section total 1580 feet. The Wharerata section, 9J miles, will cost £621,000, tunnels accounting for £44,076, grading £82,239, bridges £32,934 and ballast etc. £30,651. The Gisborne section, approximately 15 miles, will cost £171,941, bridges £70,180, being the main item, with ballast etc. £42,613. Next on the list are 18 bridges of a total length of at least 2180 feet. The work completed to date includes clearing scrub and bush on the major portion of the route, 1399 chains of fencing,. numerous stream diversions and works for controlling streams, 108 feet of sea wall, 481 chains of drains, 69 chains of deviation road, 683 cubic yards of earthwork (actual formation of line), preliminary bridge work, preliminary tunnelling and a large quantity of other preliminary work.