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APPENDIX C ANNUAL REPORT ON PUBLIC WORKS BY THE ENGINEER-IN-CHIEF f The Engineer-in-Chief to the Hon. the Minister of Works. Sir, — I have the honour to submit the following report upon the various works completed and in progress throughout the Dominion during the year ended 31st March, 1947: RAILWAYS AilcJdmid-Morrdngside Deviation.—Survey work is continuing and alternative routes have been examined. Borings! have been made to investigate the substrata on the tunnel line. Putarurur-Reporoa Railway.—During the year a trial line survey has: been completed from the 19-mile peg on the Taupo-Totara Tramway (at Tokoroa) eastward to Reporoa and Waiotapu, a distance of 52 miles. After purchase of the Putaruru-Tokoroa length of the Taupo-Totara Timber Co.'s railway (19 miles), a trial survey was started with the object of eliminating substandard gradients and curvature and allowing Railways Department's rolling-st®ck to be run on this section. Tll rakina-okoia Deviation.—ln spite of delays caused by cement shortage,, good progress has been made with the tunnel relining. Relining and grouting of the Turakina Tunnel was completed in July, 1946, and the relining party was transferred to the Fordell Tunnel, where work is continuing. Formation throughout the deviation has been trimmed, and the Railways Department has been carrying out ballasting and platelaying work over the whole length of the section, except in the immediate vicinity of the Fordell Tunnel. Pier extensions to the Wangaehu Bridge have now been completed. The girders of both the Turakina and Wangaehu Bridges have been bedded and painted. Rimutaka Deviation,—Extensive surveys have been carried out duringthe year to ensure that the best route .is obtained. An access road has been built to the Wairarapa end of the long tunnel, where preliminary earthwork is in hand. Butt Valley Railway Extension. —A single track has now been extended to Taita Station (1-J miles beyond Nae Nae), where a temporary platform and station building have been erected. A passenger service, to Taita commenced on 13th April, 1947. South Island Main Trunk.—The Railways Department has been carryingout ordinary maintenance throughout the year, but final clearing up and ballasting work has been continued by the Public Works Department. A total of 5J miles of fencing was constructed during the year.

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