The Thorndon Reclamation.

Much planning has been done in the intervening years, and but for the Great War, Wellington might now have had a central railway station in keeping with the growth and business of the city. Still, the wheels of progress have not been altogether idle, and Father Neptune has been robbed of another 70 acres of his domain and held at bay with a sea-wall nearly a mile in length and costing a quarter of a million sterling.

The natural barriers already mentioned rendered such reclamation necessary for the provision of an adequate railway terminal in Wellington, a terminal that would efficiently serve both East and West Coast railways, and, most important of all, would handle expeditiously the heavy overseas and inter-island freight passing over Wellington's wharves.

Wellington has long been distinguished by a fine outer portal in its splendidly equipped wharves and waterfront stores, berths for the largest ships at any state of the tide, and lifting and transporting gear equal to anything in the world. In strong contrast the inner portal of the city has been shabby and inadequate to the last degree. It has been a poor introduction to the rich lands and scenic wonders that lie beyond it.

The public, no doubt, have been long suffering in regard to their railway station, but it is well to give an appreciative thought to the men who have had to carry out their duties under adverse page 26

The Chief Engineer Of Railways.
Mr. F. C. Widdop, M.Inst.C.E., whose name will always be identified with the planning of Wellington's new station.

conditions. It can be safely claimed that they have made every endeavour to make up in personal service what they have lacked in equipment.

Now the plans for a large up-to-date railway terminal at Wellington are practically complete, and Cabinet has given authority for the work to proceed forthwith.