THE TRAMWAY STATION.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1596, 1 April 1879, Page 2

THE TRAMWAY STATION.

Tenders for the construction of the chief station are now called for, and are to be in by the 14th instant. The following is a description of the plans of Mr Thornton, C.E., architect of the building:—The central terminal station will bo at the junction of Worcester street and Cathedral square, having a. frontage of 198 ft upon the former thoroughfare, the height being in the clear 13ft, and the average width of the building 80ft, divided into three compartments, and covered in with corrugated iron. The station includes two buildings for carriages and one for engines, board-room, clerks’ office, storeroom, coal, store, and smith’s shop.- The whole will be lighted by twenty windows and six large skylights. The engine shed will bo distinct; from the other portions of thebuildings, being separated from them by a partition, but giving access to them by means of roller doors. The other two compartments, however, are open to each other. The width of the sheds is 25£t to 30ft and 25ft respectively. The floor will be of concrete and the three gable ends of the building will be towards the square. Two lines of rails will enter the building from the main entrance, but on entering the station they will radiate off right and left, making altogether seven lines. There will be two entrances for the cars, and roller doors will enable them to pass from one portion of the station to another. There are to be smoke proof doors between the engine-room and the other portions of the building, and between the rails are engine pits, &c. The company intend to house the whole of their rolling stock at night. As before said, tenders are now invited, and must be sent in on the 14th. It is understood that no time will be lost in accepting one of them if suitable. The rails are now on their way out from Home, and the first portion of the rolling stock is expected to be shipped in May. It is probable that in six months from the present time some portion of the tramway will be in full working order. The next sections to be proceeded with will be that to the Agricultural and Pastoral Show ground and those to Addington and Papanui. The Government are giving all the assistance they can to the scheme, and there can be very little doubt that the enterprise of the shareholders will be fully rewarded when once the tramway has made a start.