PROPOSED RAILWAYS IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE MIDDLE ISLAND.

Dunstan Times, Issue 904, 15 August 1879, Page 3

PROPOSED RAILWAYS IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE MIDDLE ISLAND.

Mr W, N. Blair’s (Engineer in charge in the Middle Island) Report on the above subject, a most elaborate document, filling 12 pages of closely printed matter, and to which is attached a map showing the various routes, sums up as follows : “ In conclusion 1 beg to make the following recommendations : “1. That beyond the completion of the Greymouth-llokitika Railway, and a section from Bruonerton to Nelson Creek, no railway works be undertaken on the West Coast for the present.

“2. That the idea of the East and West Coast Railway he abandoned in favour of the Greymouth Harbour, the said harbour to be made available for small vessels with the least possible delay, and afterwards adapted for large colliers as required. “3 That beyond completing the line through the Weka Pass to the Waikari Valley, no part of the main trunk line be undertaken for the present. “4. That in lieu of railways, the main trunk roads be made or completed from Blenheim to Amherley, Tophouse to Landmer Plains, Hampden to Ahaura, via the Mama Plains, and along such leading valleys in Marlborough, Nelson, and Westland as may be necessary for opening up the country.

“5. That surveys he made of a main trunkline from Amherley to Pieton, and that the section now in hand of the lino from Nelson to the Buller be finished. “Trusting that this report will be of some service to the Government in arriving at a conclusion with reference to the railways in the northern district of the Middle Island.”