RAILWAY PROPOSALS.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 July 1923, Page 2

RAILWAY PROPOSALS.

ALTERATIONS AT HOKITIKA

Operations in connection with the alterations to the railway station at Hokitika have now been commenced though only a few men fire yet at work. The proposed alterations will bo of an extensive nature, and involve tho taking over by the department, of the house and section facing Stafford St., on the east side of the Convent, the section of the police reserve at the corner of Stafford and Sewell Streets, a narrow slice of the police reserve where the police station is erected, and n wedged piece of the High School Board reserve. 18ft. wide at Weld St. and running out to nothing near the County Office. The engine sheds are to be moved north of Hampden St., and two lines of rails will cross that street. The main line will diverge nearer to the convent fence, ami at Station! Street there will be seven lines of railcrossing tho present tlmrouglifaie. which will be entirely closed for traffic at the street level, an overhead way Being made for foot traffic. The main line will curve further west than at piesoni, some 20 feet, and will run along practically where the west side of the present station is. sweeping down grndualtv so that at A\ eld St. tlieie wil, be a straight run on to the river bridge, which will be in clear view troni the station. Tho station itself is to be moved close up to Stafford St. and the rear of the building will he almost level where tho present iron feme stands, the corner section being thrown open for a public thoroughfare. The present station-master’s house will in time 1 0quire to he removed, but for the present will bo utili-ed for police quaitois. after a now residence has been built for the station-master nearer to the .station and Sewell St., north ol piesent police sergeant-s quarters. Ibe station itself will also he enlarged, and a longer platform provided to cope with the heavier traffic. Ihe goods shed will also be. shifted nearer towards Stafford Street, and the whole yard enlarged and remodelled. • The Railway Department have also m a<eordanco with arrangements made with the Borough Council to carry out extensive repairs and improvements to the closing of Stafford St. These include a. portion of Fitzherbert Street and Sewell Street- between Weld and Hampden Street, the widening of Hampden Street- between these two affected streets and in Weld Street. The works are to bo carried out with the utmost despatch, and the sene m the virility of the railway station promises to be a very busy one for a considerable time to come, the estimate of the cost of tin? operations running into several thousands of pounds.