GENTLE ANNIE TRAMWAY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3171, 17 March 1911, Page 4

GENTLE ANNIE TRAMWAY.

LINE OPEN FROM QUARRY TO

MATAWHERO.

BIG LOAD BROUGHT DOWN

YESTERDAY

As evidencing the fact that the tramline to the Gentle Annie quarry is nearing completion, it may be mentioned that the first load of metal from thequarry arrived in town on Wednesday night" The metal, which is to be used for curb and water-valve blocks, was bruoght as far as Matawheio in trucks by the engine, and conveyed thence to town by Straker waggon. A slight mishap occurred on Wednesday, as the train conveying the three trucks or metal was traversing the unballasted poition of the line near Mr. McLaughlin’s. Owing (it is understood) to insufficient brake-power on the dovm grade from the quarry, the train gathe>cd too much speed, and the capsize of a truck occurred. No damage was done, however, and matters were soon righted. There only remains about a mile ana a quarter of the line to be completed. Difficulty has been experienced in ob : taining sleepers to finish the Awapuni section! Tctara from the north of Auckland lias been used, but even this cannot be obtained in sufficient quantities. A supply cf jairab is expected to arrive from Australia in the tliir-d week in April, and as soon as tins is to hand no time should be lost in completing connection with the town. Timline was very busy yesterday. A train of eleven trucks passed the Matawhero sale-yards about 4.30 p.nn, comprising eight trucks of ballast and three of screenings. This train load was held up at the Big Bridge for an hour and a half yesterday by mobs of sheep travelling from the saleyards. When " the lino is in full working order, the train may net l>e utilised on the Thursdays on which the stock sales are held, owing to the delay occasioned by travelling stock. As showing the immense advantage the tramline will afford, it may be pointed out that the load brought in by the engine last evening would have required two Straker waggons and two _ trailers to deal with. When the line is fully completed it should Ire possible to bring in three, loads, of eighteen trucks each, every dav.