THE RAILWAY WORKS.

Patea Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 1030, 4 May 1883, Page 2

THE RAILWAY WORKS.

Patea passenger station is now in an advanced state towards completion, and may be expected to be out of the contractor’s hands in the course of three weeks or a month. The contract has been rather a large one, and it is gratifying to state that Mr Johnston, the contractor, appears to have carried put the work faithfully and well. Under the guidance of Mr Richards, the energetic overseer for the Government, we had a look through the building yesterday, and were surprised at its extent and completeness. The building is 189 ft. 4in. long, and is a substantial structure. The back part is formed by a solid concrete wall of an average thickness of three feet, and is 151 ft. 6in. in length. This wall abuts on Portland Quay : which is nearly level with the top of the concrete. We may mention that the Government have resolved to form and metal this road so that it will be the principal passage to the

station instead of through the yard as at first intended. There will be a flight of steps from the Quay to the platform at the far end of the station building. There is no doubt that this will be a great improvement upon the original intention, and horses will run less risk of being frightened as the building will act as an effectual screen. The cottages opposite the Hail way Hotel will be removed, and the road will run in a straight line from the Hotel to the station. There are altogether ten rooms in the statlbn. The first, at the end nearest the bridge, is the lamp room, 16 xB. This will be fitted with shelves and the conveniences necessary for the humble but important duties of the lamp trimmer. Next is the Engineer’s room —a fine apartment 16ft x 19ft 6in. There is a registered grate and a quantity of pigeon holes have beenfilied up forthoreceptxonof plans &c. Adjoining is the parcel room, 16 x 12 ; and on the other side of that is the gentlemen’s waiting room. It is intended to erect seats, and generally to furnish it comfortably for the use of the travelling public. There is also a register grate. The next four rooms are devoted to the refreshment department, and the arrangements appear to be very complete. First, there are the store-room and larder, each 10ftx 6ft 6in, and opening into the kitchen, which is a good-sized room, 16 x 12. A splendid range has been put in, and there is also a sink and drainage for waste water. We pass from the kitchen to the refreshment room, which 26 feet long by 16 wide. At one end a handsome counter has been built, and divides off a portion of the room for a bar. There is a large fire-place, and no doubt when fitted up the room will present a very comfortable appearance. The ladies’ waiting room' adjoins, and the fair sex will find that their requirements have been studied. The room is 16 x 12, and there is a fireplace also. The ladies’ lavatory adjoins, and is convenient and commodious. The architecture of the building cannot be said to be strikingly handsome, but ornament has given place to usefulness; and although the heavy overhanging verandah may detract from appearances, it will fully compensate by the shelter it will afford in wet weather. The outside arrangements are on a scale in keeping with the main building. The platform will be 310 feet long and will be asphalted and along the front there is a substantial concrete wall. Speaking of concrete reminds us that the wall at the back of the station building appears to be a very fine piece of work. Some idea of its extent may be gained from the fact that upwards of 350 barrels of cement were used in its constiuclion. The other buildings in the yard are the engine and goods sheds both of which are admirably adapted for their separate purposes. It is intended to erect a loading platform 60 feet long at the goods shed and also a stand 48 feet long for washing the carriages upon, A concrete platform at the town end of the station will also be built to facilitate the loading of horses. These extra works have been given to Mr Johnston, and that affords the best evidence that the Government are satisfied with the manner in which he has done his work. There are two stands for the water tanks which are supplied from the reservoir above. There is a fine pressure which would be a great advantage in case of fire besides rendering the work of cleaning the carriages an easy one. The water supply is the pride of Mr Richards’ heart, and he has just cause for self congratulation. The reservoir has a capacity of 165,000 gallons, and the whole work in connection with it appears to have been designed and carried out in as substantial and well arranged manner as it could have been. We had almost omitted to mention that a comfortable four-roomed cottage has been erected for the stationmaster, on the high ground close to the bridge. Taking it altogether Patea people may be proud of their station, which will be the best on the Coast. The Government have gone to great expense in buildings for the goods and passenger trade, and it is to be hoped that lesnlts will show that they were justified. We think they will in the course of a little time, but wo cannot hope to see the trade fully developed until the line is connected with Hawera. The contractor may be congratulated on the approaching completion of his contract, which we hope has proved a profitable one. Ho has been zealous in his endeavours to niako a <( good job ” of it, and, aided a little by Mr Richards’ watchfulness, to keep things up to the mark, it must he admitted that the result has been creditable to all concerned.