RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION METHODS

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1350, 30 January 1912, Page 9

RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION METHODS

, Sir,—We are told by the Government railway extension oflioers tliey arc carrying on unfinished portions of line to a paying point. Ono instance: Tire line that was to connect Roefton, West.port, and Nelson "was commenced at Iteefton some eight or nine years ago, has got to the landing, some lfi miles, at Westport, seven miles completed, ajid at the Neleon end some eight miles, and up to this time that work has cost something approaching .£300,000, from which there are no returns. And why? The disconnected mode of work spoaks foT itself. We were told that when the line reached tho landing it would be open for traffic. But now a station has to 1)0 "built. Well, nil that is wanted there can be built by a couple of men in a fortnight, as the main station must be built five miles further on, at the iunc.tion of the Inangahua with the Buller Itivei. If only the twenty-three miles ready between- Reef ton ■ and AYestport •vere" made use of, what a boon to the travelling public—a daily saving of foTtvsix miles of coaching! And about as much for t.licss travelling between these towns and Nelson. Another thing, it would, bo onlv that. twenty-fivo miles of coacfimg to connect WestpoTt with -Greyuiouth at any time wihout tear of stoppage. I am, CtC " AM OLD WEST COASTER.

Westport, January 25.