NARROWING GAP

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 16, 14 October 1943, Page 4

NARROWING GAP

South Island Main Trunk Railway Dominion Special Service. CHRISTCHURCH, October 13. The railway tracks at the northern section of the South Island Main. Trunk railway are now almost to Kaikoura and a start will be made soon with the construction of railway yards in the town itself. The work is so advanced that the forecast that trains would be running into Kaikoura from the northern end before Christinas will be easily realized. _ With the completion of the line to Kaikoura now almost an accomplished fact, preparations are already being made for a better rail service between Kaikoura aud I’icton. /A turntable has been constructed at I’icton and another is being installed at Kaikoura. When this is ready AB engines will be shipped from Wellington to fake up their running on the new line. In the past only small engines have been used on this section.as no turning device existed for an engine and tender. The completion of the line to Kaikoura will leave only a gap of about 14 miles between the town and the present terminus of the southern portion of the line at Oaro. A good deal of the construction work has already been completed on this section, but while no major engineering difficulties remain to be tackled, a considerable amount of work still remains to be done.

However, at the present rate of progress the gap should be closed easily within the next 12 months.