WOODEN CROSSINGS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5052, 2 June 1877, Page 2

WOODEN CROSSINGS.

TO THE EDITOR OP THE NEW ZEALAND TIMES. Sir, —I notice in your issue of the 30th iust. a paragraph relating to the wood crossing now in course of construction opposite the Bank of New Zealand, in which you say that “ whole streets are made in this way in Londou city, and the blocks wear very well indeed.”

Now, as a matter of fact, only one street was laid in blocks “in this way,” and this had to be taken up in less than three mouths, the whole being in a worse condition than Lamb-ton-quay at present. Several streets are now laid in blocks of wood, as Cannon-street, King William-street, &c.; hut these are done in a very different manner to the crossing in question, which is laid on the exact plan which was found to be a perfect failure in London, There was considerable agitation in London at the time on the question of “ wood v. asphalt,” and I took great interest in observing not only the various methods of laying, but also the result after a certain time, and can therefore speak authoritatively on the subject. Trusting you will permit me space for the insertion of the above, —I am, &c., COCKNKY. Wellington, March 31.

THE PROPOSED NEW RECLAMATION AND RAILWAY EXTENSION TO THE WHARF.

The following is the letter to which allusion was made in our issue of yesterday:—■ Public Works Office, Wellington, 31st May, 1577. Sir, —Referring to the interview which a deputation of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce had with the Minister for Public Works, on the 16th ultimo, on the subject of wharf accommodation at Wellington in connection with the Wellington and Masterton railway, I am now directed to inform you that the Government have given the consideration thereto which the Minister then promised.

The question discussed at that interview was whether it was advisable to build a separate railway wharf or connect the railway with the Queen’s wharf, which, it was stated, was about to be considerably enlarged. The conclusion arrived at by the Government, after carefully considering these questions, is that while it is desirable to connect the railway with the shipping, the estimated traffic does not at present justify their building a separate wharf, involving an expenditure of when the Wellington and Masterton railway is extended, and connects the East and West Coasts with Wellington, a railway wharf will no doubt be constructed.

The Government have considered how best to meet the necessities of the probable traffic during the next few years, and have come to the conclusion that the best course open to them is the adoption of the plan recommended by the Chamber, viz., to reclaim a further portion of the harbor, extending from the present, breastwork opposite Mills’ foundry to the second Ton the Queen’s Wharf. The cost of this reclamation will be considerable, but it is estimated the land so reclaimed will recoup the amount, and provide the railway with the necessary access to the wharf for its traffic ; while at the same time the roads leading through the reclaimed land will greatly facilitate the access of carts to the wharf, and so expedite and otherwise improve the whole scope of wharfage business. The Minister has given instructions to call for tenders for carrying out the work at as early a date as the preparation of the plans will allow.—l am, &c., John Knowles, Under Secretary for Public Works, J. Dransfield, Esq , Chairman.