SOUTH ISLAND RAILWAY

Southland Times, Issue 24832, 26 August 1942, Page 5

SOUTH ISLAND RAILWAY

DECISION TO COMPLETE LINE (P.A.) BLENHEIM, Aug. 25. After many months, during which work has been practically at a standstill because the men were required elsewhere for urgent war undertakings, the War Administration has reached a decision to complete the BlenheimKaikoura link of the South Island main trunk railway. After this the railhead will be pushed northwards from the Hundalee as far as possible. This was announced by the Minister of Railways, the Hon. R. Semple, last night when he addressed commercial and industrial interests on transport problems. Mr Semple said this decision had been made on his recommendation as part of the scheme to conserve existing rubber supplies. Only about 10 miles of plate-laying and 20 of ballasting remained to be completed north of Kaikoura. The Minister estimated that by pushing the job and working three shifts daily they could get to Kaikoura in five months. “If we can do this we will save approximately 100,000 gallons of petrol and between 400 and 500 heavy duty tyres annually,” the Minster said. With the completion of this link motor vehicles operating on the route would have to come off the road. Mr Semple said arrangements had been made to secure further supplies of rails, and as far as he could see no obstacle would prevent the plans being carried out. In the gap south of Kaikoura there were two bridges that might hold them up a bit because of a shortage of materials.