D. 2

The floor-plans for the new station building are approaching finality, and when these are ready arrangements will be made for obtaining a suitable architectural elevation. Tenders will be called shortly for the erection of the large outward-goods shed on Breakwater Road. Paeroa Rearrangement. The reconstruction of the station-yard is practically completed, and the installation of the power-locking will be commenced at an early date. The double-track plate - girder bridge over the Ohinemuri River has been completed. Palmerston North Deviation. The plans of this work have been completed. The necessary land has been proclaimed, and work will be commenced at an early date. Wellington New Yard. A second contract has been let covering the completion of the sea-wall to Kaiwarra, and excellent progress is being made by the contractor. To accelerate the work of reclamation the services of the Wanganui Harbour Board's dredge " Kaione " have been obtained, and good work is being done. Tawa Flat Deviation. The plans for this work are complete. A quarry-site has been obtained in the Ngahauranga Gorge for the supply of stone necessary for the sea-wall north of Kaiwarra. Ravensbourne-Burke's Duplication. A. start has been made with this work. The sea-walls necessary in the relocation of the line are being built. Elmer Lane Depot. The plans for the depot have now been finalized. It is intended to build the engine-shed as a round house. The work of preparing the site is proceeding. Middleton Marshalling-yard. The location of the marshalling-yard for Christchurch at Middleton has been finally decided upon. This yard will work on the gravity principle, the natural formation of the site being suitable to this. The work is in hand, and will be pushed to a speedy conclusion, as the further rearrangements at Christchurch and Lyttelton are contingent upon the accommodation at Middleton. Helensville Station. The new lay-out for this station has been finally settled, and the work of construction will be put in hand immediately. Frankton Station. The extensive additions to this yard which have been necessitated by increased traffic are in hand. Hutt Valley Railway. Marked progress has been made with the construction of this railway, which is in the hands of the Public Works Department. The overhead bridge on the Main Hutt Road is approaching completion, and other road-bridges over the new tracks are well in hand. The station-sites have been prepared, and the erection of the station buildings is being arranged for. Pile-driving for the Hutt River Bridge is proceeding satisfactorily.

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