RAILWAY BOARD CALLS TENDERS FOR TUNNEL EQUIPMENT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18053, 13 January 1927, Page 1

RAILWAY BOARD CALLS TENDERS FOR TUNNEL EQUIPMENT.

ELECTRIFICATION WILL BE STARTED THIS YEAR.. The Railway Department, in calling for tenders for electrical equipment and electric locomotives for the Christ-church-Lyttelton Line, has dispelled all doubts as to the electrification of the tunnel. The survey of the tunnel was carried out by Mr G. W. Wyles, assistant electrical engineer, starting on November 16 last, and in his report lie stated that, with the aid of a few alterations in the yards at Christchurch and Lyttelton, the scheme of overhead wiring vras qxiitc. practicable. Nothing more was heard from the department for some time, and it was thought that they were considering an alternative means of traction, but the calling for tenders dispells this idea completely. The Chairman of the board. Mr 17.l 7 . J. Jones, stated when passing through Christchurch on Tuesday morning, that postponement rumours were without any foundation, and that the work of electrification would be started as early as possible. The tenders which the department is inviting for overhead electrical equipment will be received by the Chairman of the Railway Board up to noon on Monday, June 6, 1927. Tenders are being invited for six electric locomotives. The closing date of the tenders that the Public Works Department is calling for the supply of iron bark piles and hardwood timber is February 15, so it appears as if the work will be commenced almost immediately. At the same time the Public Works Department is calling for tenders for railway substation equipment, which will close with the secretary of the Public Works Tenders Board, Wellington, at 4 p.m. on June 7. It is understood that the substation will be erected at Woolston.