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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 5, Issue 8 (February 1, 1931)

A Triumph of Supreme Craftsmanship

A Triumph of Supreme Craftsmanship.

Under the main contractors a small army of sub-contractors (representative of all trades) have given their quota to this embodiment of the finest craftsmanship in this building, which is the creation of so many hands both skilled and unskilled.

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The work of Messrs. Hansford and Mills, Limited, as sub-contractors for the stone work in the building, requires special mention. It was their efficient methods and up-to-date equipment which made the extensive use of Coromandel granite in the building at all possible. The beauty of this masonry work is one of the outstanding features of the station.

Watching over every detail of workmanship and material with a keen, impartial eye has been that important functionary, the Clerk of Works. In this exacting task Mr. H. W. Chant has held the high esteem of all parties, and by his intimate knowledge, tireless energy and unfailing courtesy helped materially in the satisfactory progress of the work. Many others might be mentioned who have given of their best in this great project. To them remains the satisfaction of a task well and truly done, and in every fibre of the structure their record is written.

The total cost of the Auckland-Westfield deviation has been £790,000. The cost of the complete re-arrangement and
An Historic Event. (Photo, W. W. Stewart.) The first train to leave from Auckland's new station. (Note the fine wide platform.)

An Historic Event.
(Photo, W. W. Stewart.)
The first train to leave from Auckland's new station. (Note the fine wide platform.)

re-construction of the Auckland Railway Station with the yard and all appurtenances has been £1,250,000.

Some of the leading items in this sum are: Station building, including platform verandahs, passenger subway, retaining walls and forecourt, £365,000; engine depot, £96,000; new outward goods shed, £46,000; new inward goods shed, £22,000; signalling, interlocking and floodlighting, £75,000.

A very substantial offset to the cost of the project is the value of the old station site which is being abandoned. The railway land actually extends from Queen Street to Breakwater Road, and its situation in the business centre of Auckland gives it a very high commercial value.