The Grand Consummation.

But the story does not end there. In the year 1895 a private syndicate approached the Government with a proposal to construct a light line of railway between Paeroa and Waihi, to serve the great mining developments in that district. The practicability of light railways of 2ft. gauge was interesting the country at this time, it being considered that they offered an economical means of providing the much needed rail transport in many localities.

Instructions were therefore given by the Government for the survey of a line from Paeroa to Waihi covering alternative schemes for a 2ft. gauge and a 3ft. 6in. gauge with gradients compensating for curvature, the chief basis to be the strictest economy. The survey was also to take cognisance of the possibility of extending the line to Katikati Harbour and eventually to Tauranga.

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The survey disclosed that in spite of the broken nature of the country there would be no great difficulty in constructing a 3ft. 6in. gauge line to Waihi, the main obstruction being a sharp spur in the Karangahake Gorge. This had to be pierced by a tunnel 1,188 yards in length on a one in fifty grade.

Pressing demands in other parts of the country prevented the Government from proceeding with this project, and there was still an idea of the work being done by a private syndicate. On further consideration, the Government, realising the great development in the district to be served and the large increase in the population arising therefrom, decided that the railway was a justifiable enterprise and included it in the Schedule of the Railway Authorisation Bill of 1899.

Work was commenced in 1900, and the following year saw the piercing of the Karangahake tunnel well forward, and the permanent way extending from Paeroa close to the tunnel portal. Heavy ground and copious water had yet to be met in the tunnel, which difficulties slowed up the progress work. By 1904 the tunnel was pierced, and the excavation and lining were completed by the end of that year. Meanwhile, the extensive bridgework involved in the crossings of the Ohinemuri River had been pushed forward by the contractors, Messrs. J. and A. Anderson, of Christchurch.

The line was opened for traffic to Waihi on 9th November, 1905.

As a short branch of twelve miles in length, this line has given valuable transport facilities to the mining communities of Karangahake, Waikino, and Waihi. It is now merged into the greater enterprise of the East Coast Railway, which penetrates into the rich lands of the Bay of Plenty.

This is but a brief account of the railways of the Thames Valley, railways that are not only a link between town and country, mine and mart, but are a link reaching from us back to the pioneers who in the early days carved for us a way through the wilderness.

He is most free from danger who, even when safe, is on his guard.—Syrus.