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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 3, Issue 6 (October 1, 1928)

Nearing Wairoa

Nearing Wairoa.

Mohaka station was just over the river and then came the Mohaka tunnel (30 chains) which was now in hand, 10 chains having already been completed. Then followed about three miles of very heavy work through Te Kumi Valley. Following on, the line would pass through Waihua, which was a good farming area, and better than that along some of the other sections. A bridge over the Waihua River would have to be built, and the Waihua tunnel (16 chains) was nearing completion. Approaching Wairoa work was in hand on the Wairoa River bridge, which would be 450 feet long and 50 feet high and consist of four spans. The spans would be carried on large concrete cylinders, two of which had already been sunk.

Mr. Smith then referred to the plant necessary for the construction of the undertaking, stating that ten steam-shovels were at work and dealing with some heavy country. On account of their great weight difficulty was sometimes experienced in getting them into position to operate.

In conclusion, Mr. Smith considered that the line had a great future. There were thousands of acres between Eskdale and Wairoa which would respond readily to manures and result in a greatly increased production—an end that could only be achieved by a railway. He suggested that the people of Hawkes Bay should take a greater interest in the line and inspect it. To the man in town the work might seem slow but he did not realise what had to be done or the great difficulties that had to be overcome. The Government had not adopted a go-slow policy with the work. Indeed, for a very long time about 500 men had been employed on the job.

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In The Southern Lakes District, New Zealand “… The trav'ller stops and gazes round and round, O'er all the scenes that animate his heart.” —Bruce. A glimpse of Lake Wakatipu (South Island, New Zealand), showing the Remarkables in the background.

In The Southern Lakes District, New Zealand
“… The trav'ller stops and gazes round and round,
O'er all the scenes that animate his heart.”
—Bruce.
A glimpse of Lake Wakatipu (South Island, New Zealand), showing the Remarkables in the background.