A GAP TO BE CLOSED

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 281, 26 August 1942, Page 3

A GAP TO BE CLOSED

South Island Main Trunk Railway (By Telegraph—Press Association.)

BLENHEIM, August 25.

After many niontlis during which work has 'been practically at a standstill because the men were required elsewhere for urgent war undertakings, the AVar Administration tons decided to complete, the Blenheim-Kai-koura link of the .South Island Main Trunk railway. Afterward the railhead will be pushed northward from Iluudalee as far as possible. 3k - . Semple addressed commercial and industrial interests on transport problems last night,, and said the decision had been made on 'his recommendation, as part of the scheme to conserve' rubber. Only about 19 miles of plate-laying and 20 miles of ballasting remained to be completed north of Kaikoura. The Minister estimated that by pushing the job and working three shifts a day the work could reach Kaikoura in live months. ‘‘lf we can do this we will save approximately 100,000 gallons of petrol and between 400 and 500 'heavy-duty tyres a year,” the Minister said, pointingout that with the completion of the link the motor vehicles operating on the route.would, have to come off the road. Arrangements had been made to secure further supplies of rails, and as far as lie could see there were no obstacles to prevent the plans being carried out. In the gap south of Kaikoura there were two bridges that might hold them up'a while for materials.