OHAI RAILWAY

Southland Times, Issue 20081, 19 January 1927, Page 6

OHAI RAILWAY

MEETING OF BOARD

ENGINEER’S REPORT

GOVERNMENT INSPECTION OF LINE

The monthly meeting of the Ohai Railway Board was held in the clerk’s office at Otautau on Friday, when the following members were present:—Messrs A. W. Rodger (chairman), W. J. A. McGregor, D. D. Macdonald, W. Crawford, L. S. Edmond, Geo S. Edie, W. Excell, R. N. Robertson and D. McLennan. The engineer and manager were also in attendance. The chairman reported that in conference with the engineer and manager it had been resolved to ask the services of an expert bridge builder from the Railway Department to supervise the construction of the Wairio creek bridge in hardwood. The request had been granted, and work was proceeding, with Mr G. Thomson as foreman. With a railway expert as supervisor, it was expected to get the spans in position by the 29th inst. The engineer was in treaty with Canterbury inquiries regarding a sale of Moreton line rails. Meantime the contract for lifting the rails was held in suspense. The contractors for this work were anxious to get on with the job. He had received advice that the chairman and a member of the Government Railway Board, with officers, was to be in Wairio that day, and arrangements were being made for them to travers and inspect the Board’s line.

The engineer presented the- following report for the period ending 13th inst. on the progress of the work on the Wairio to Birchwood railway:—

Permanent Way: The men employed on the permanent way were given the usual annual leave, so that a little more than half the period since last report has been worked. The practical cessation of traffic during the holidays enabled this policy to be carried out. The track is in excellent order, and is giving no trouble. Repairs to the old engine shed at Wairio: The repairs to the old engine shed at Wairio are practically completed and a satisfactory job made. A certificate for a progress payment accompanies this report. Strengthening Wairio Creek Bridge: The services of a bridge carpenter have been obtained from the Railway Department, and a commencement has been made with getting the material ready for strengthening the Wairio Creek bridge. G. Thomson, A. Baird and three of the permanent way hands are employed on the work. It is anticipated that the material will be ready by the 28th inst., and will be put into position by the 29th inst.

Construction of part of the Third Section : The progress made on this contract is disappointing and unsatisfactory, though, no doubt, the holidays account to some extent for the small amount of work done. On Wednesday there were only two men at work, but to-day more are employed. I have impressed upon the contractor the necessity of making the utmost use of the summer weather, and the. importance of having the contract completed within the term set out. The formation is completed to Bm. 2ch., and I found that 7,800 cubic yards of spoil had been removed. Thirty feet of 6-in. 132-ft. of 9-in. and 64-ft. of 12-in. diameter pipe culverts had been built, and 53| chains of fencing erected. The total value of work done and material supplied since November 11 last in terms of the contract is £405, for which a certificate of payment is certified. I have realigned on the new formation the centre line of the permanent way from 7 miles 56 chains to 8 miles 4 chains. The laying of the permanent way will be undertaken immediately by our own staff, and with the usual attention to the maintenance of the operated track would possibly give them a month’s work.

Inquiries for 401 b rails. —A Christchurch Coal Mining Syndicate has been making inquiries for second-class railway material, and I have quoted the particulars and prices as arranged by the board. The Syndicate meets in Christchurch this week, and no doubt we will get some definite word if a market is available for a reasonable quantity of the material at our disposal.

New Locomotive.—Advice had been received that owing to the unsettled industrial conditions in England, boiler plates had only now become available, and that the new locomotive would not be shipped until March next. I think it would be advisable to inform Mr Forsdick that it is of the greatest importance to the board to have the locomotive available for use here on April 30 next at the latest.—Received.

MANAGER’S REPORT.

The following report was submitted by the manager:—

Bridge Renewals. —The district engineer has agreed to let us have the services of one of the department’s leading carpenters to take charge of our bridge job. Work was commenced on sth inst., and some of the spans are expected to be ready for placing in position on 29th inst.

Motor Coach.—The oil engine considered suitable for connecting with the centre axle of a “C” car has been inspected and funds to require expensive alterations to the understructure of the car to obtain the necessary clearance for the engine. The present traffic does not warrant the cost of alterations. An estimate of a lighter vehicle is under preparation, and will be submitted at next board meeting for consideration. Electric Winch.—Prices have been obtained locally for an electric winch at Wairio. The plans submitted had the approval of the engineer, and are enclosed herewith for consideration.

Carriage Shed. —The contractor had repaired the old engine shed at Wairio, and the building was in use as a carriage shed. Coal Output.—The quantity xjf coal and dross carried for the month of December was 14,537 tons, an increase of 1715 tons as compared with December, 1925.—Received.

The tenders of Messrs Wilson Bros. Invercargill, to install an electric winch for £l3l was accepted. The secretary, Southland Education Board, wrote expressing gratification that the Ohai Board had conceded reduced fares for the carriage of secondary school pupils. The terms were agreed to by the Education Board, and fares would be paid accordingly. Macalister Bros wrote regarding settlement of compensation claims of the Public Trustee in S. D. Mills estate and W. J. A. McGregor and completion of the necessary documents was authorised by the board, the chairman, Mr Crawford and the clerk to affix the seal.

The Under-Secretary, Public Works Department, acknowledged notice of result of election.

Arthur Clothier, agent for Edie Bros., forwarded claim for compensation for land taken, and the claim was referred to the board’s solicitor.

Accounts amounting to £l,4lff 9/3 were passed for payment, and the board adjourned to allow members to join the members of the Railway Board in an inspection of the line.