PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IV, Issue 282, 25 October 1884, Page 3

PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT.

[By Telegraph.]

Delivered by the Hon. Edwxbd Richardson, October 24th, 1884

Wellington, Qet. 24. "We make ihe appended extracts: which are of special local interest, and will give a further resume m a subsequent issue. ■ RAILWAYS IN COURSE OFi CONSTRUCTION. NAPIER-TYOODVILLE. This line has been extended and opened for traffic to Mataraau, 4 miles, beyond Makatoko, to the great convenience of the travelling public, as about nine miles of coaching is thus saved. A further portion extending 1 to Tahoraitftj seven miles, will, it is expected, be ready for, public traffic by the end of this monr/h. This will bring the railway tp a point 81 miles from Napier. ,3 •;,. WBLLINGTON-WOODVIjiLE. The extension of the railway beyond Masterton is progressing under two contracts for a distance of about 17 miles. FOXTON-NEW PLYMOUTH. A further length of about 17 miles on this line has been opened for public traffic during +he year, namely, from Waverley to Manutahi, leaving a gap or only 10 miles between the latter place and Hawera lo complete the through connection. ;The work on this gap is proceeding as fast as the weather wilL&Ubw, and under favourable circumstances this length might be ready for traffic about the end of February next. SURVEYS. Good progress has been made with these m both islands. Iv the North Island three lines have been examined as probable routes for the Main Trunk line between Wellington and Auckland, viz., one from Napier by way of Taupo, one from Marton by a line west of the Rangitikei River, Raupehu and Taupo, and one from Stratford by a line inland about 15 miles from the coast. ROADS TO OPEN UP CROWN LANDS BEFORE SALE. With the large public estate still awailing settlement, the demands for this class of work may be said to ; be almost unlimited, but as* pnly a certain amount of Work can be executed m each year it is proposed to ask the House fora further vote this year of £29,595 to open up blocks of land m the several land districts which have been surveyed, but withheld

from d'sposal by the department, pentujgtbeir being opened up by roads.