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Abstract of Bridges above 10 ft. of Waterway.—Gisborne-Opotiki Route.

The Dnder-Secretaky for Public Works to Mr. James Stewart. (Telegram.) Wellington, 23rd August, 1899. Could you kindly wire rough approximate estimate of total cost of Gisborne-Eotorua and Gis-borne-Opotiki Eailways respectively, including rails, sleepers, stations, rolling-stock, and everything complete. Also wire separately approximate cost per mile of same railways in sections, the character of line to be estimated for being that recommended in your recent report. Also, have you any knowledge of country between Opotiki and Eotorua? If so, could you send brief description by mail, and wire in meantime rough approximate estimate of cost of line between those points ? Mark your reply " Collect." James Stewart, Esq., C.8., Auckland. H. J. H. Blow.

Mr. James Stewart to the Dnder-Secretary for Public Works. (Telegram.) Auckland, 23rd August, 1899. Telegram re Gisborne Eailways received. Will compile and wire rough estimates within a day or two ; further report on country between Opotiki and Kotorua by mail. The Under-Secretary, Public Works, Wellington. James Stewart.

Mr. James Stewart to the Under-Secretary for Public Works. (Telegram.) Auckland, 26th August, 1899. Bough approximate estimate of cost of Gisborne-Eotorua and Gisborne-Opotiki Eailways. Firstly, Gisborne-Rotorua —Earth and rock formation, £296,500 ; tunnels, £40,700; bridges and culverts, £26,290; fencing, gates, and level crossings, £30,090; permanent way, £207,000; stations, platelayers' cottages, and water supplies, £46,310; rolling-stock, £57,400; total, £704,290. Cost per mile in sections (exclusive of rolling-stock). Section 1, 35 miles (curve, minimum 10 chains), £3,171. Section 2 (curve, minimum 1-J chains), 100 miles, £4,163. Section 3 (curve; minimum 10 chains), £2,657. Secondly, Gisborne-Opotiki Railway—Earth and rock formation, £176,055; tunnel, £7,800; bridges and culverts, £17,750; fencing, gates, and level crossings, £17,003; permanent way, £112,700; stations, platelayers' cottages, and water supplies, £34,800 ; rolling-stock, £57,400; total, £423,508. Cost per mile in sections, exclusive of rolling-stock; Section 1, Gisborne. to Poututu, 31 miles, minimum curves 10 chains, £3,223. Section 2, Poututu to Opotiki, 67 miles, minimum curves chains, £3,973. In above estimate rails are taken as 401b. steel; fastenings, standard ; gauge, standard; sleepers, ten per rail throughout, but somewhat lighter than standard; rolling-stock, bogie throughout; stations, standard, and include workshops for light repairs ; speed on Section 2, 15 miles per hour. ' . . .". . The Under-Secretary, Public Works, Wellington. James Stew-art,

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ipans. ,eng: II. Bridges. No. Length. Beam. Truss Sundry, eight „ four Waipaoa 24 24 6 6 24 1 4 1 10 1 4 1 4 1 4 Ft. 20 20 80 20 20 40 20 80 20 60 20 60 20 60 20 Ft. 480 480 Ft. 480 Sundry, eight Rangiriri 120 480 40 80 Motu 200 80 Pa'kihi 60 80 60 Waiti 80 Futaetoko 80 60 it Tot: ,1s 2,080 780