35

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has been substantially repaired and strengthened, and sidings have been laid upon it in connection with the platelaying last mentioned. New Biver Contract. —This work has been advertised ; it comprises the completion of formation, the construction of bridges and culverts, and laying of permanent-way from Greymouth to near the Teremakau Bridge, about 8 miles. Sleepers. —Contracts for the supply and delivery of 8,000 railway-sleepers have been completed during the year. Surveys. —A land-plan survey of the whole line, except for about 4t miles south of Teremakau, has been made during the year. Greymouth-Brunnerton Eailway. Greymouth Wharf Extension Contract. —This work was finished in November, making a total length of wharf accommodation at Greymouth of 1,900 ft. Upon the wharf have been erected two 8-ton hydraulic cranes, and for the purpose of working these the necessary engines and boilers have also been erected upon the land adjoining. The pipe connections between the engines and cranes are not yet laid, as the filling-in behind the wharf is not completed. Considerable delay has been experienced in executing this work, which depends upon getting a supply of quarry rubbish, of which only a limited quantity is produced : it is hoped, however, that no long time will now elapse before the pipe-laying can be proceeded with, and the engines and cranes set to work. CANTEEBUEY DISTEICT. Upper Ashburton Branch. Mount Somers-Springburn (4 miles). —The formation of this section has been executed by piecework, as also a part of the fencing, and the laying of the drain-pipes. The line is now ready for laying the permanent-way, and erection of the bridges, &c. Springfield Branch. Hawkins Bridge Contract. —A tender has been accepted for this work, and the piles and a portion of the timber for the superstructure have been delivered. Surveys. —A survey has been made and land plans completed for the Mount Somers to Springburn section. Various minor surveys have also been made, and plans furnished. OTAGO DISTEICT. Waitaki-Bluff with Branches Eailway. Dunedin Railway-station Overbridge Contract. —This work, which has been a long time in hand, was completed on the 31st October, 1887. The western and north-eastern approaches are completed, and the south-eastern one nearly so. Minor Works. —Several minor works and improvements have been carried out at various stations on the main line during the year. Branch Lines. Awamoko Contract (7 miles 75 chains, ending at the Awamoko Stream, and including Formation, Platelaying, and Buildings).—This work was completed on the 2nd July, 1887, and, along with the Eakis section of four miles, was opened for traffic on the 10th August. Catlin's River Railway. —A contract for laying the necessary culverts and pipes on the section extending from 6 miles 72 chains to 12 miles was completed on the 7th November, and an average of about seventy men have been employed on the earthwork and fencing and the clearing of bush, all of which works are now well advanced. Tenders for all the bridging will shortly be called for. Waimea-Switzers Branch. —The contract for laying two miles of permanent-way was completed on the 6th August, and the line will be used for carrying material for the erection of the Mataura bridges. Mataura Bridge Contract. —Tenders have been called for this work, and will be received up to the 12th April. Plans for the extension of the line beyond this to Switzers, 13 miles 65 chains, are ready, and a contract could be prepared for the formation and bridging at short notice. Edendale-Toitois Railway. —A contract has been let for the Glenham tunnel and formation contract, extending from 7 miles 50 chains to 9 miles 36 chains. It includes a tunnel 220 yards long, and the formation of a station-ground at the end of the contract at the main road leading to Fortrose. The work is not progressing in a very satisfactory manner. Seaward Bush Railway. —The ballasting and platelaying over the 5 miles 48 chains, reported last year as having been cleared and formed beyond the Kilbrony section of 5J miles long, have been executed in small sections under petty contracts. A small station-building and water-supply have been erected, and the line was opened for traffic on the 16th January, its total length from its unction with the main line being 11 miles 25 chains. Invercargill-Kingston Eailway, with Branches. Encroachment of Jacob's River at Ringway. —This has been effectually prevented by the erection of a groin near where the railway was threatened with damage by the river. Otago Central Eailway. Wingatui Viaduct. —This work was fully described in last year's report; it was finally com. pleted on the 4th June, and tested by the passage of heavy trains over it.