SOUTH HAIR TRUNK RAILWAY

Evening Star, Issue 22447, 18 September 1936, Page 8

SOUTH HAIR TRUNK RAILWAY

PREPARING MAIN P.W. CAMP [Per United Press Association.] BLENHEIM, September 17. Increased weekly since word was given to resume work, there are now 265 men engaged on the northern section of the gap in the South Island Main Trunk Railway. It is understood that it has been planned to have 400 men between Wharanui and Kapuiju River, near Kaikoura. Of the 2(55, about 100 are at present employed between Wharanui and the Clarence River clearing the existing formation, removing slips, and planting marram grass to prevent sand drifting from the dunes skirting the seashore. It is proposed to complete the section to the Clarence as early as possible in order to advance the railhead for the delivery of plant and material further south than Wharanui, which is the present headquarters. The Clarence bridge is nearing completion. It is anticipated that tenders for this major work will be invited shortly. The main construction camp south of the Clarence River is now being prepared at Aniseed, where the public works headquarters will .shortly be established. The shortage of timber for the workmen’s accommodation has been overcome. Over 30 carpenters are engaged erecting hutments, recreation halls, and other buildings. The modem construction plant, which has been on order for some time, including six Diesel excavators on creeper tracks with shovel and dragline equipment, six Diesel five-ton locomotives, as well as aircompressors, and complete workshop equipment, is' expected by the end of October.