DUNEDIN AND BLUESKIN LINE.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2050, 18 September 1880, Page 2

DUNEDIN AND BLUESKIN LINE.

In our issue of Thursday, the 16th instant, we published an extract from the “ Timaru Herald" referring to the railway lino from Dunedin to Blueskin at equally dangerous and equally unjustifiable as the Wellington and Maeterton line, and describing it as another feat of tight-rope engineering. That paper continues : “We have heard experienced men say that if passengers knew their danger, they would not make that journey. Certainly the risk of running over that section is enormous, and sooner or later there must be a dreadful accident there.” One of the “ Morning Herald” reporters has made special inquiries concerning the present state of the line between Dunedin and Blueskin, and he rinds that every precaution is being taken to keep the line in perfect order. The moot dangerous part of the iine is near the Purafcanui Cliffs. Hero the road has been mainly cut out of the solid rock, and it is one of the safest parts of the lino. The road is in good condition. It is well baliaeted, is carefully and regularly examined, and is in the hands of tho most competent men in the Department. That part of the hill above the line is frequently searched, and all loose stuff taken down. Since tho return of Mr Conyers to Dunedin, ■‘a check rail ” has been added, and it gives double security. A signal man resides at the Purakanui Cliff, and ho walks up and down for half a mile, and signalises to every train that passes. He is provided with lamps for use during the night. There are notice boaids warning the drivers when they approach the cliff to reduce their speed to the rate of twelve mile? an hour, and at each cud a green light is regularly placed at dust.