Railway Gauge Problem

Hokitika Guardian, 30 July 1921, Page 1

Railway Gauge Problem

COMMISSION FAVOURS 4ft S’in

SYDNEY, July 12

Australia’s two greatest problems are communications and resistance to drought; and it is worth noting that in these years, which in a political sense are regarded as being hopelessly barren, each problem is receiving parctical attention. The New South Wales Government'lias evolved a scheme of insurance against drought by fodder conservation, and the Federal Government’s expert Commission is now eominrfto some conclusion in regard to the railway gauge problem/ Tail's expert Commission was set up some months ago. It includes an expert from America, one from Britain, and skilled representatives of the railway systems in the different States; and it has visited every State in turn.

Although the Commission is still prosecuting enquiries, it is understood that it will recommend the unification of the railway system of Australia on the basis of a gauge of 4ft B)iu- This is Die present gauge of tbe New South Wales railways, and of the great EastWest line between Port Augusta and Knlgoorlie. Victoria, of course, wanted her gauge —sft Sin—but, it was pointed out that there are 6071 miles of 4ft 8)m in the Commonwealth, whereas the sft Sin gauge claims 5215 miles. The Commission consider the smaller gauge more practicable and handy; and it is also contended that the conversion of lines to 4ft 8) in would not cost nearly so much as their conversion to sft Sin. . It was estimated in 1013 that it would cost £37,160.000 to convert the Commonwealth lines (exclusive of Tasmania) to one gauge. Conditions have since changed, and the expenditure to,lav would probably be almost doubled. For this reason it is believed that the Commission will recommend that for the present Die work be confined to connecting the various State capitals with a uniform gauge. This could he ( n,,( either hv converting some of the exiting lines, or by constructing new main lines at the 4ft B*in RaufSe m those States —particularly Queensland, 'ictoria, and South Australia-wlnch have different gauge.