RAILWAY DEVIATION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 244, 14 October 1937, Page 6

RAILWAY DEVIATION

COASTALROUTE MR. W. DRAFFIN’S SCHEME DEPARTMENTAL INSPECTION GENERAL MANAGER’S VISIT The route of the coastal railway deviation advocated by Air W. Draflin and recently placed before the Minister of Railways and the Taranaki Chambers of Commerce by the Wanganui Tourist and Development League, was inspected thoroughly yesterday afternoon by the general manager of railways, Mr G. H. Mackley, and members of the commercial ana engineering staff. Air Drallin’s scheme provides for the deviation of the Wellington-New Plymouth railway line at Turakina. The line would then be brought along the coast and, after crossing the Wanganui River in the vicinity of Putiki, would continue through Springvale, Rapanui and Kai Iwi to Alaxwell, where it would join with Lhe present lino. If the proposal were carried out it would be necessary for ithe cessation of construction work on the present Turakina-Okoia deviation. The scheme has been under consideration by Air Draflin for some months and has been taken up by the Wanganui Tourist and Development League, which recently sought the support of the chambers of commerce in the Taranaki province.

Mr Draflin claims that his deviation will mean a considerable saving in the present rail journey from Wellington to New Plymouth and a substantial reduction in haulage costs. Accompanying the general manager yesterday were Alessrs J. B. Cotterill, M.P. for Wanganui, G. T. Bertinshaw (chief engineer of the Railways Department), G. T. Wilson (transport superintendent), W. Bishop (chief accountant), H. W. Weilsted (commercial manager), J. Dow (district engines, W. J. Langbein (assistant district engineer), D. St. George (district traffic manager), and W. G. Sampson (district engineer of the Public Works Department). The party first of all inspected the nature of the country between the Maxwell railway station, where the deviation will commence, and Okehu and Kai Iwi. From there the party proceeded out to the land in the vicinity of the Seafield and Belmont golf courses and then thoroughly inspected the terrain between Springvale and the Wanganui River. The party then motored out to the Lake Parau Road and the Wanganui Valley, near the coast, in order to become acquainted with the nature of the country to be negotiated south of Wanganui. The general manager and the chief engineer took a keen interest in th? route suggested by Air Draffin and his proposals to overcome grades and deep valleys. Where it was not possible to inspect the route by motor, the party trekked over rough country so that the fullest details of the country could be appreciated. Yesterday morning the general manager met the chairman (Mr W. J. Rogers) and members of the Wanganui Harbour Board to discuss the question of the control of the Town Wharf. Various matters were discussed amicably, and it was ultimatelydecided that the Railway Department should make a written offer to the board.

The general manager also inspected the locomotive sheds and other appointments at the railway station. The party will leave Wanganui this morning for Wellington by rail-car. No comment on the result of the inspection was made by Air Alackley, but it is understood that a report on the observations will be made to the Railways Department and the Alinister of Railways, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan.