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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 7, Issue 1 (May 1, 1932.)

Particulars of Mr. Dobson's Plan

Particulars of Mr. Dobson's Plan.

Mr. Dobson estimated the cost of operation of this ferry at about £3,000 a year, including the wages of one engine-driver, two cleaners, and two bridge-keepers. If a toll of 10/- per train were imposed, the possible revenue would be £6,240 per annum for forty trips per day. He was of opinion that contractors could be found to erect the bridge and take a lease of it for seven years in return for tolls at two-thirds of the then existing ferry rates by the punt. He stated that a substantial bridge to carry cart traffic and permit the driving of stock could be erected for about £32,000, exclusive of the approaches, which would cost about £6,450 more, but this bridge, which would be 22 feet wide, would be more liable to damage by floods than the railway bridge, and it would not be suitable for railway traffic.

Now Running As A More Efficient Unit. Locomotive Ba 497, built at Addington Railway Workshops (South Island) in 1911, and recently converted into a modern standard type at Hillside Workshops.

Now Running As A More Efficient Unit.
Locomotive Ba 497, built at Addington Railway Workshops (South Island) in 1911, and recently converted into a modern standard type at Hillside Workshops.

The Secretary for Public Works, replying to this report, stated it was considered 22 feet was unnecessarily wide, and asked for an amended plan for a bridge 18 feet wide, suitable for carts and stock, and ultimately carrying a railway. In his reply, dated 7th June, 1867, Mr. Dobson stated that a bridge to carry road traffic and also a 24-ton locomotive would require a design of very much greater cost. He submitted an amended plan for a bridge for road traffic, estimated to cost £20,000. Trucks could be drawn across this bridge by horses, but it would not be suitable to carry an ordinary 24-ton locomotive.

In the course of the correspondence the Secretary for Public Works stated that looking at the financial prospects the Government could not entertain any intention to carry the railway any further than Selwyn for the present. The construction of the Rakaia bridge remained in abeyance.

“There is more real romance in modern business than in all the millions of feet of celluloid strip that ever were shipped out of Hollywood.”

—A. R. Zoccola