BLENHEIM-KAIKOURA LINK

Evening Star, Issue 24282, 25 August 1942, Page 2

BLENHEIM-KAIKOURA LINK

RAILWAY TO RE COMPLETE!) ENORMOUS SAVING OF RUBBER AND PETROL (P.A.) BLENHEIAI, August 25. After many months during which the work has been practically at a standstill because the men were required elsewhere for urgent war undertakings, the War Administration has reached a decision to complete the Blenheinl-Kai-koura link of the South Island Alain Trunk Railway. Following this, the railhead will be pushed northwards from Hundaleo as far as possible.^ This was announced hy Air Semple last night, when he addressed commercial and industrial interests on transport problems. He said the decision had been made on his recommendation as part of a scheme to conserve existing rubber supplies. Only about 10 miles of platelaying and 20 of ballasting remained to be completed north of Kaikoura. The Alinister estimated that bv pushing the job and working three sliifts daily they could get to Kaikoura in five months.

“ If we can do this we shall save approximately 100,000 gallons <Jf petrol and between 400 and 500 heavy-duty tyres annually,” the Alinister said, pointing out that with the completion of this link motor vehicles operating on the route would have to come off the road.

Mr Semple said arrangements had been made to secure further supplies,'of rails, and, as far as he could see, no obstacles existed to prevent the plans being carried out. In the gap south of Kaikoura there were two bridges that might hold them up a bit for materials.