The Tramway.

Manawatu Herald, 17 May 1902, Page 2

The Tramway.

Prom Railway Department’s Enf gin-ior, with reference to the state o (.he tram line, which the Inspector characterised as being in an utterly neglected state, and he thought it would be to the advantage of the Council to do something more than is being done in the way of general repairs. The following defects were noted : —IOO rails were not fit to be in the track; three sets of points and crossings were worn out; a gap of nearly 4 inches at a join near Whale Line ; considerable • number of sleepers rotten and bad top throughout. He would be glad if Council arranged to carry out necessary repairs, otherwise he would prohibit Government rolling stock going on the line. TRAM REPORT. Mr Wrigley submitted the following report:—The total receipts amount to £265 6s 3d, and the expenses to £ll6 19s ‘ld, leaving a cr. balance of £146 6s lid on the month’s working. The following are the quantities of goods carried over the line during the month, viz. : —Grain, 416 tons ; minerals, 96 tons ; merchandise, 98 tons; hemp, 48 tons; chaff, 16 trucks ; firewood, 4 trucks ; green flax, 36 trucks; timber, 5,808 feet; pigs, 3 trucks ; sheep, 2 trucks; wool, 44 bales ; passenger fares, £6 4s 2d. The remarks in the railway inspector’s report have' been noted and one man -has been sent to the Himatangi end to pick up the worst places. The reason this end has had so little attention lately is owing to the two men being engaged packing the rails recently laid between Mr Harris’ gate and Sanson. If this had not been done thoroughly, the heavy loads of .grain would have spoiled a large number of the rails. Wo have one crossing and one pair of points’ blades available for repairs as suggested in the report, and if the Council could see its way to purchase two sets of 401 b points and crossings, they could be used at Benny’s line, whore the men are now engaged laying rails of that weight. This would release two fair sets of light crossings, which could be used lower down the lino. A large quantity of sleepers have been received during the month and they have come just as we were in pressing need of them. The two men who were working on the baUast engine have been put on at the platelaying and I would recommend that they be kept on until the rails are laid.