WAIHI-ATHENREE LINE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4808, 9 February 1925, Page 2

WAIHI-ATHENREE LINE.

DETAILS OF CONSTRUCTION.

HISTORY OF THE SECTION. Although from time to time the subject of the East Coast main trunk railway works has been dealt with in these columns there are (states the Waihi Telegraph), with the approaching completion of the Waihi-Katikati section, some interesting details in connection with the construction of the line, and .these have, through the courtesy of the engineer-in-charge, Mr R. R. Dawber, been furnished to a “Telegraph” representative. Some idea of the large Quantity of metal required for ballasting may be gauged from figures furnished by Mr Dawber. For instance, the first lift of ballasting, which has been completed to Athenree, including the sidings at the Waiinata and Athenree stations used up metal at the rate of 1000 cubic yards to the mile, the lift necessitating the sleepers being raised approximately four tochqs to permit of the packing of the metal underneath. Before the line reaches a permanent stage two more lifts, involving the use of corresponding quantities of metal, will be necessary. Thus it will be seen that the total quantity of metal represents 3000 cubic yards for the permanent laying of every’ mile of rails. The-Public Works Department has an almost unlimited supply of high grade metal at the quarry in the Hikuranga Gorge. This hillside of metal was first exploited on Junly 27 of last year, when 75 cases of blasting gelatine, aggregating 37501 b in weight, were used in a single shot, which loosened up approximately 15,000 cubic yards of metal. Crushing operations were started in the second week of December, and the first 17 days yielded 662 cubic yards of ballast, 116 cubic yards of screenings, and 35 cubic yards of spawls. The surplus screenings are being disposed of to settlers in tlie district and others seeking the material at about the cost of production—9s per yard. Several truckloads have already been supplied to settlers, and the metal ranks with the finest in the Dominion. Twelve years ago last October the Waihi-Athenree section of the line was commenced, and with’ but two short stoppages, extending over a few mopths, the work wajs continued until 1917, when there was a complete stoppage for a period of 12 months, construction being resumed in March, 1918. Three years later the work w r as seriously 7 taken in hand with a view to early completion, and no less than 160 men were employed, 110 mors than in any preceding year. , Prior to the Christmas and New Year holidays of 1924-25 the department had on its pay-roll 113 men, and work in the New Year was resumed with about the same number.

Referring to grades, Mr Dawber stated that the heaviest grade on the section was one in fifty, extending o”er three miles. Two engines were at present' engaged on the line, onb with a haulage capacity of 35 tons and the other capable of hauling 90 tons.