688
Criticised Mr. Eves's methods in the matters referred to, I am on the other hand especially glad to be able to testify to much good work done. The improvements he has effected in the alignment appear to me to be of considerable importance, especially at one point where the maximum curve and gradient were simultaneously attained at a most dangerous point where the line overhung a river. The new alignment avoids this danger and also saves distance and cost. The alteration of the alignment in other places has resulted in the abandonment of a great deal of earthwork which was done by the local Public Works Department in anticipation of the Chief Resident Engineer's arrival under the orders of my predecessor. The land resumed for this purpose will have to be sold at a loss, and the total cost of work now abandoned amounts to approximately $20,000.
The Chief Resident Engineer complained of unwieldy Lancashire boilers already riveted up, having been sent out, which it was found almost impossible to be conveyed to the place of erection, and required much costly permanent masonry work. At the South Face of the Tunnel, these difficulties were met without any great delay or cost, but at the North end, the boilers had