RAILROAD EXTENSION.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2295, 26 March 1887, Page 2 (Supplement)

RAILROAD EXTENSION.

Poor's " Manual of Railroads " for this year shows that in 18S6 eight thousand six hundred and forty-eight miles of road were built in the- United States. This amount is divided among the various groups of States as follows : New England group, 41 miles; Middle group, 374 miles ; Central Northern group, 1,231 miles ; South Atlantic, I,OIS miles ; Mississippi Valley group, 339 miles ; South Western group, 2,427 miles; North Western group, 2,57S miles; Pacific group, 637 miles. This makes the total mileage in the United States at the close of the year 137,615 miles. The reports received from the various railway companies of work which is in progress or under contemplation indicate that construction during the year 1887 vvill amount to not less than 12,000 miles, unless some serious convulsion should occur to reverse plans which are now entertained. This estimate is eonfirmed by engagements which have been made in advance for the current year with rail mills and other manufactures of railway plant. As the prominent element of railway construction throughout its various steps is payment for labour, it is sufficiently evident what an important item of employment for the working classes seems already assured for ISS7, since it is probable that the cost of the above work will exceed 200,000,000d015.