THE MIDLAND RAILWAY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 32, 20 January 1912, Page 7

THE MIDLAND RAILWAY.

SIR ARTHUR GUINNESS INTERESTS HIMSELF. WORK TO BE EXPEDITED. (Per Press Association.) , Christchurch, January 18. Tlie Speaker, Sir Arthur Guinness, member for Grey, has been interesting himself in the construction of the Christchurch-West Coast railway line, the terminus of which at present is at The Cass. During his recent visit to Wellington, Sir Arthur Guinness pointed out to the Minister for Public Works that, if the construction of the next section was expedited, the coach journey over the dangerous Waimakariri cutting and the fording of the river itself would be made unnecessary. He suggested that the construction of the section to Bealey Flat should be hastened, and that a temporary section to Bealey Flat should be opened as soon as possible. The railway bridge over tile Waimakariri was approaching completion, and if the section were opened the travelling public on both east and west sides of the mountains would, be greatly benefited. The recent coach accident occurred in the Waimakariri cutting, and the railway would enable this part of the journey to be avoided.

The Minister made some inquiries into the matter, with the, result that ho informed Sir Arthur Guinness 1 that he hoped to be able to open a temporary station at Bealey Flat in March next.