L—9.

28

Beferring to the third length, that is, from Waimarino to junction of routes, there are no tunnels in that section as far as we know on the present survey—that is to say, of the present trialsurvey given of this line.

2. In that case also you are not prepared with information as to the earthworks?—No, there is no information obtainable that would enable us to get anything approaching correct quantities. Calculation on the Waimarino to the junction of routes is as follows: —

Ngaire Route.—Details of Principal Items of Works, as follows: —

There is only one lofty viaduct on this line. We begin at Eltharn. 3. Mr. Hales, is the information which you have supplied all that you were asked for on the 16th ?—Yes, except with regard to the other line between Marton and Eltharn. I think there is something in your letter about that. 4. In addition to this, I should like you to tell the Committee what has been the cost of the completed portion of the central line from Marton to terminus ?—The total cost of the opened railway from Marton to Bangatira was £103,597. 5. And the estimated cost of the next section ?—The contract for the next section is £26,499 ; distance, 3 miles 70 chains in length. 6. That stops short of the Makohine viaduct ?—Yes, it is about two miles from the site of that viaduct. J. Do the figures which you have given represent the finished cost ? —All with the exception of the rails, sleepers, and station-buildings for the last section of 3 miles 70 chains. 8. Will you give us the present estimate of the cost of the next section, which is about 16 miles, I think?—l do not think I can give that just now. 9. Take any point you choose. You have given us the cost of 3 miles 70 chains ; can you give us the cost of the next 14 miles?— The next section, 13-J miles in length, will cost about £181,000. This amount includes the viaduct at Makohine, and is one of the heaviest sections on the line. 10. As to the 19 miles which cost £103,597, can you state what the original estimate was ? —■ No. There is an estimate of that; it could be put in. [Estimate furnished: 19 miles, at £5,693 per mile, £108,167.] 11. Will you put it in when correcting your evidence ? —Yes. 12. lam referring to the original estimates which were prepared eight years ago?— Yes, I know. 13. Upon which the estimated cost of £1,293,134 for the entire line was based?—Oh, yes, I can get that, but it will not refer specially to that particular section, which is a more easy section to construct than some of the other portions.

Tunnels. Bridges. Viaducts. Number. Length. Number. Length. I Name. Mileage. Length. From Level to Lowest Foundation. Lin. yd. Ft. 1,440 Ft. 280 300 330 462 450 590 600 660 640 Ft. 90 96 70 60 100 120 60 50 110 5 Piopiotea Stream v> a> CO S I«£l CD ' J m Mangapuri Waikoikoi TePuri Te Awakino Viaduct ... ... it Piopiotea ... 1,440 Total number, 9 4,312

Subdivision. Tunnels. j L°% Viaducts. - Earthwork. No. Length. No. Length. No. Length. Ballast. Ngaire Section ... i Tangarakau Section Heao Section ... Ohura Section ... 6 12 9 4 Lin. yd. 1,165 1,410 1,006 547 7 21 6 13 Lin. yd. 940 2,263 745 1,773 1 Ft. 437 * Cubic yd. 1,109 ,'132 1,327,762 716,688 879,952 Average Cost per Mile. £580 £440 £332 £347 M. oh. 38 73 !26 00 110 70 27 25 31 4,128 47 5,721 : 1 437 4,033,534 £425 *Maxi: mm height of piers, 97ft.