THE ARAPUNI SIDING.

Putaruru Press, Volume II, Issue 44, 21 August 1924, Page 2

THE ARAPUNI SIDING.

CONSTRUCTION IN HAND. The construction of the private siding* at the Putaruru railway station for the Arapuni contractors, Sir W. G. Armstrong, Whitworth and Co., is now proceeding*, a railway relayinggang numbering about 15 men beingengaged in the work. The siding commences at the Rotorua end of the cattle-loading- pen, thence proceeds round the outside of the brick water tank and joins the main line opposite the Taupo Totara Timber Co.’s engine shed. It thus makes a loop about 12 chains long, sufficient to accommodate between 40 and 50 railway waggons and quite long enough to hold the proposed special freight trains for conveying cement from the cement works at Portland to Putaruru for the Arapuni contract. The siding,’ with the necessary roadway alongside, occupies the major portion of what was formerly the live stock paddock, which is now reduced to a narrow race. It involves the cutting down of the hill against the ~tr.Gkpaddock gate, the spoil being- used for filling the hollow against the .water tank. A loading bank is also to be provided, while the contractors intend erecting a cement shed and providing cranes, etc. The siding will probably be ready for use in anothei month’s time. It is really at the furthest point away from Arapuni and will necessitate the carting of all the material through the town along Lichfield road, Main street and Princes street to reach the Arapuni access road.