THE AUCKLAND RAILWAY LEAGUE.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 22 February 1917, Page 3

THE AUCKLAND RAILWAY LEAGUE.

NORTH AUCKLAND LINES

WE have before us the annual report of the above League, and make the following extract, which should be ot interest to our readers: —

In the North Auckland district work on the Main Trunk line has been slow, owing to the difficulties connected with the construction of " two tunnels beyond Otamatea, where most unfavourable country for such work had to be traversed, because of the unfortunate deviation, made by a former Minister for Public Works, from the original surveyed line. This deviation has involved a laige extra cost in the work of construction, and has kept back the extension of the North Auckland line for perhaps two or three years. The line connecting Whangarei with the North Auckland Trunk railway has been pushed ahead with commendable energy, the Hon, Mr Frazer recognising the importance of this connection. It will junction with the main line about %Z miles north of the Otamatea River, and when this junction is effected there will be through railway communication between Auckland, Whangarei and Kawakawa, and also with Kaikohe, on the Hokianga side. At the same time, this roundabout connection with the Far North must not be allowed to take the place of the npre direct route, that will b,e provided by the pushing thrqugh of the main line, via Kirikopuni and Kaikohe to Mangonui,

Qn the Kaihu yalley extension some formation work wg,s dqne, but all work has been stopped on this lines since November last. From Kaikohe northwards a section of eight miles to Okaihau has made some progress, but on this section also, which will ultimately form part of the Main Trunk line, work has been suspended for some time. On a part of the main line from Kirikopuni southwards a little formation work was carried out, but since Qctober, 1915, nothing has b ; een done on, ""titis. section. It is to b^ b,6p,ed that when the Whangarei connection with the main line is completed, the construction of the railway between the point of junction and Kirikopuni will be vigorously pushed on, so as to link up the northern leaches of the navigable Wairoa River, and the good country there, with Auckland city.