LIGHT RAILWAYS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXVI, Issue 17572, 16 May 1919, Page 7

LIGHT RAILWAYS.

USE IN THE DOMINION

Light railways at the front and their adaptability to New Zealand j formed the subject of an interesting address to a well-attended meeting of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce by Captain D. Bruce, former-j ly railway officer to the New Zealand ■ Division in France. After describ-j ing how the light railway came into use in France, the speaker said thatj from very small beginnings they soon j developed into a huge system. The light railway was adopted because it was not bo expensive to replace after j damage as was the heavier line. The railways were a great success in France, and he submitted that If they were successful under war con-; ciltions they should be more so here, where more time could be given to^ their construction. Captain Bruce said that petrol engines, capable of hauling 25 tons were used near the front lines, and small steam engines capable of hauling 70 tons were used further back. The latter would be eminently suited for light railways in New Zealand. He estimated that a light railway similar to those described would cost about £1500 per mile, and the trains, by carrying metal from* inaccessible places, would bring good roads in their wake. Toll-gates would make them practically self-supporting, and they would be of great value to farmers in districts away from the main lines. Captain Bruce asserted that Canada seized the opportunity and purchased a large number of light railways, and Mr. Massey had also been asked to purchase 100 miles of them, but he could not say what had been done. He added that railway engineers were greatly impressed by