5

P.—s

Comparison of Route. As compared with former investigations, the general results of last year's surveys are —that the Cannibal Gorge route is found to be somewhat more difficult than was expected, and the Lake Lyndon one much more difficult; that the Hurunui route is somewhat easier; and the Amuri and Arthur Pass routes very much easier than the previous information led us to expect. One of the most important considerations in selecting a route for a railway between the East and West Coast is the distance to travel between the principal centres. The following statement enables a comparison to be readily made: —

Table of Distances.

The distances by the Amuri Pass from Eeefton to Christchurch and Eolleston would be shortened eight miles if the line were taken by Nelson Creek instead of the Arnold; but the latter is the easier route.. Distances are given in the table to Eolleston as well as to Christchurch, because it is the collecting and distributing point for the traffic on the lines that come in south of Christchurch, and a correct comparison cannot be made without giving the distance by all the routes to this place. The above statement shows that, in the matter of distance between the principal centres, Arthur's Pass route has greatly the advantage; the only exception is between Christchurch and Eeefton ; and even there the difference in favour of the Cannibal Gorge route is only about three and a half miles. In my report of 1879 I pointed out the importance of shortening the distance from the West Coast to the populous districts south of Christchurch, and with this object suggested the construction of a direct line from the Arthur's Pass route, near Sheffield, to the main trunk line at the north bank of the Eakaia. This would still further reduce the distance to the southern districts by that route, the amount of the saving being fully twenty miles. This point, and the general superiority of the Arthur's Pass route in respect to length, are more clearly brought out by the following statement:— Miles. From Eakaia to Brunnerton by Cannibal Gorge ... ... ... 243 From Eakaia to Brunnerton by Arthur's Pass ... ... ... 125 Balance in favour of Arthur's Pass ... ... 118 From Eakaia to Eeefton by Cannibal Gorge ... ... ... 203 From Eakaia to Eeefton by Arthur's Pass ... ... ... 162 Balance in favour of Arthur's Pass ... ... 41 So far as the districts north of Christchurch are concerned, the line just opened between. Oxford and Malvern brings them within easy access of the Arthur's Pass route, the distance from Sheffield to Ashley via Oxford being somewhat less than that to Christchurch, via Eolleston. Another strong argument in favour of the Arthur's Pass route is, that it comes nearer Hokitika and other places south of the Grey than either the Amuri or Cannibal Gorge lines. The other more important points of comparison between the rival routes are shown by the following table :—

In the above statement, and otherwise throughout this report, Brunnerton is taken as the western terminus of the proposed railway. If, however, we assume that the connection of Eeefton with the East Coast is a condition, the cost of the two lines that come most into competition will stand thus: 2—D. 5.

By Lewis Pass. By Hurunui Pass. By Arthur's Pass. By Arthur's Pass. By Amuri Pass. From Cannibal Gorge Route. Hurunui Route. Waimakariri Gorge Route. Lake Lyndon Route. Arnold Route. Srunnerton to Christchurch irunnerton to Eolleston Jeefton to Christchurch leefton to Eolleston i M. 210 221 171 182 c. 56 72 26 42 M. 154 165 190 202 c. 18 34 68 04 M. 138 124 174 160 c. 22 18 72 68 M. 160 146 197 182 c. 30 26 00 76 M. 172 184 209 220 c. 72 08 42 58

Eoute. Length to make. Estimated Cost. o-reatoat Altitude. Length of Main-range Tunnel. iannibal Gorge iurunuijPass .rthur's Pass jake Lyndon) Lmuri Pass (figures approximate) Miles. 142 101 95 126 104 £ 1,875,000 1,408,000 1,505,000 1,994,000 1,300,000 Feet. 2,550 2,360 2,530 2,700 2,400 M. c. 2 15$ 3 351 3 16^ 3 16£ 3 0