South Island Line Ahead of Time

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 41, 18 February 1937, Page 9

South Island Line Ahead of Time

NORTHERN SECTION PROGRESS BLENHEIM, Feb. 13. The opinion that the northern section of the South Island Main Trunk Railway would be completed a year ahead of the scheduled time was expressed recently by Mr E. P. Meachon, M.P. for Wairau, and co-opted member to the Minister of Public Works, who returned recently from a three days’ tour of inpeetion of the line. “My opinion is that with the use of the modern machinery now being brought into operation construction costs will be cut down and a good slice taken off the time allowed for the job,” Mr Meachen said. “From the way things are going the northern section will be completed within three years.” Reviewing the progress of the construction work, Mr. Meachen said that the new Diesel shovels were already working on a stretch between Clarence bridge add Mangamaunu, which, owing to the formidable nature of the country, was one of the most difficult the line had to traverse. There was no doubt of their efficiency and already they had made wonderful progress in preparing for cuttings and tunnelling. The general progress being made on the northern section was very satisfactory. The men were all keen and contented and working with a will. There was still a fair amount of accommodation construction to be done, nut the back of that problem had been broken. It was hoped to have a new school at Aniseed, the chief camp ont the section, ready for occupation when the schools reopened on March 1. In the near future about 200 men would be concentrated at Aniseed, which would soon be almost a township. Preparations for the social life of the camp were also well in hand, and a huge social hall was nearing completion. At Clarence Bridge the contractor was already on the job, said Mr. Meachen, and at present was erecting a temporary staging across the bridge site and he hoped to commence sinking the piers in a few weeks’ time. A very fine camp had been built for the men engaged on the job, at present numbering 11, and a good deal of machinery that would be required for tho job had already arrived. Mr Meachen said it was expected that the railway would be completed to Clarence River from Wharanui by the end of the present year.