D. 1

46

At Cascade Creek Bridge (9 m.) test pits have been sunk to determine, the depth of foundations, and the concrete-work will be commenced shortly. Material for the permanent-way has been supplied, and the. rails have been laid to 8 m. 7 eh., and a l-in-7| crossing, with the necessary track, has been laid into the engine-shed. Various areas were prospected for a ballast-pit, and it was finally decided to acquire 5 acres from Section 250, Block XII, Kawatiri Survey District for this purpose. A l-in-9 crossing off the main line, together with 8 chains of track, was laid into this ballast-pit, which is now being worked with satisfactory results. A telephone-line has been erected between Westport and Te Kuha. A store, 50 ft. by 30 ft. fitted with office and the necessary shelving, has been erected at Te Kuha, as well as an engine-shed, blacksmith's shop, and small explosives-magazine. Twelve huts have been erected at Te Kuha for accommodation of workers, and a boardinghouse has been fitted up. The relocation of the centre-line beyond Cascade Creek has been surveyed and pegged to 16 m. Lawrence-Roxburgh Railway. Miller's Flat Section (34 m. 70 ch. to 49 m. to 45 ch. ; length, 14 m. 55 ch.). —During the year the railway formation was completed to 49 m. 59 eh., including formation of Ridd's siding at 47 m. 25 ch. and Miller's Flat station-yard at 49 m. 25 ch. The rail-head was extended to 49 m. 58-8 ch. and Ridd's siding laid, as well as two sidings and a portion of the engine-shed siding in Miller's Flat yard. The first and second lifts of ballast are complete throughout this section, except the dead-end and engine-shed siding at Miller's Flat, and the third lift is nearing completion. A steam-shovel was used for lifting ballast at 43 m. 65 ch. All bridges have been completed and painted, and permanent-way has been laid over them. The approaches to bridges have been stone-pitched, and an overbridge erected at 46 m. 29 ch. A checkrail has been laid over the Corstorphine Bridge. All culverts have been completed with inlets and outlets, but a few box drains still have to be put in. Seven sets of cattle-stops were constructed ; 2 miles of fencing was erected, and the telephone-line was completed to Miller's Flat. The approach roads to both goods and passenger sides of the Miller's Flat Station have been metalled. The concrete fronts for platform and for loading-bank have been constructed, and the greater part of the filling is in position. The inside engine-pit and outside ashpit are finished, and a temporary station office and goods-shed have been erected for the goods service. A contract was let in December, 1924, for the erection of station-buildings at Miller's Flat, but the contractor has not made as good progress as was hoped. The goods-shed and the coal-store are nearing completion, and four platelayers' cottages are well advanced, while a start has been made with the passenger-station and the engine-shed. A daily goods service was run between Beaumont and Miller's Flat from the 15th December to the 27th May last, when it was limited to three days a week. The inwards consignments consisted of 4 horses, 280 sheep, 814 tons of timber, ] ,662 tons of general goods; and the outwards traffic, 2 horses, 6,115 sheep, 5 tons of timber, and 3,713 tons of fruit and general goods. Orepuki-Waiau Railway. Orawia Section (48 m. 23 ch. to 56 m. 47 ch. ; length, Bm. 24 ch.). —All formation work on this section had been completed during the previous period. The platelaying was finished this year by the laying of If miles of main line and one station-yard. Ballasting is also completed, and the erection of bridges is finished with the exception of the permanent top on bridge over the Orawia at 55 m. This is now being placed. During the year an additional siding at Pikopiko was decided upon, and this has been constructed complete with loading-bank and stock-yards. The shelter-shed, loading-bank, and stock-yards at Pukemaori are also finished. A platform, loading-bank, goods-shed, and stock-yards have been erected at Orawia Station, and a contract is in progress for the station-building, latrines, and two cottages. The turntable has been delivered, and a commencement has been made with the foundations. A goods service has been run by the Department since the 17th September, 1924, and this section should be ready for handing over to the Working Railways Department at an early date. SURVEYS OF LINES UNDER CONSTRUCTION, NEW RAILWAYS, ETC. North Auckland Main Trunk Railway. Four trial lines have been run in connection with the extension of this railway from Rangiahua to Mangamuka, and. estimates of costs are now being prepared. The country is of such a nature that no self-evident best route exists, and all reasonable possibilities must be surveyed in detail. A trialline survey is also in hand at both ends for a branch line between Kirikopuni and Dargaville. East Coast Main Trunk Railway (Paeroa-Pokeno). The trial-line survey has been completed over the whole length, and the permanent survey from 12 m. to 19 m. The preparation of the plans is now in hand. Borings have also been undertaken where necessary to determine depths of peat.