Some Formidable Obstacles.

The necessity for trains starting well clear of the heavy grade to Newmarket prevented the provision of adequate train sidings between Queen Street and the foot of this grade.

These difficulties were greatly intensified when, in 1907, the railway frontage to Queen Street was handed over to the Post and Telegraph Department for the erection of page 36 a General Post Office. Following on this came the marked growth in business already indicated. So for over twenty years Auckland Station arrangements have been the subject of investigation by some of the best railway brains in the country. All investigations pointed to the necessity for railway operations terminating at Breakwater Road so that that important thoroughfare should be left free for the heavy waterfront traffic using it.

The other outstanding necessity was the avoidance of the limitations imposed upon both loads and station operations by the Parnell grade. This could only be achieved by the construction of a new outlet on almost level grades across Hobson Bay and Orakei Basin to Westfield. This scheme permitted of the expansion of the Auckland Railway Station yard eastward and seaward. This expansion, however, could be obtained only by a reclamation of the harbour front which absorbed Mechanic's Bay and later on St. George's Bay.

The trend of development in railway works in Auckland was of vital interest, not only to the Railway Department, but also to the Auckland City Council and the

Roomy and well Lighted Interior.
(Photo, W. W. Stewart.)
The concourse through which access is made to the various platforms at the new Auckland station.

Harbour Board. So in the planning of railway facilities in Auckland much valuable collaboration has been done by these three bodies. Many features attaching to Auckland station to-day are the result of the balancing of the various interests and requirements of definite sections of the community.

The Railway Department has at long last been provided with adequate means for serving the people of Auckland. They have been served loyally in the past, but such service has depended more on the skill and grit of the railway staff than on the means at the men's disposal.

Perhaps the most vital function of the railway yards is service to the overseas shipping at the wharves, a service amply provided for in the new scheme.

For many years the goods shed accommodation has been poor, and the local loading facilities not equal to requirements. Now the business people of Auckland have a commodious up-to-date outwards goods shed with ample cranes for handling all kinds of freight, and, also, a new inwards goods shed designed on similar lines.