Sessional_Paper_1908 — Page 132

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General Progress.

There are two large works on which depend the final completion of the line:-

(a.) Beacon Hill Tunnel.

(b.) Excavation of Cutting No. 1 which is to form the reclamation for Kowloon

Station Yard,

Beacon Hill Tunnel has always been considered the ruling factor as regards the final opening of the line for traffic. At the end of December the heading going North from the South side and that going South from the shaft at the North side were 1,914 feet apart which would meet at the end of November 1909 if the present average can be kept up.

Six or seven months at least would be required to widen out and lay the rails ready for opening for traffic say the end of May 1910.

The reclamation of Kowloon Station Yard with material taken from Cutting No. 1 is however taking longer than might be expected and I trust that the completion of the whole line may not be delayed by any failure on the part of the Contractors to finish their Contract within the specified time, ., December, 1909.

Estimates.

I append detailed statement of the original, revised and supplementary Estimates together with statement of expenditure to end of 1907 and estimated expenditure during 1908 and to complete the work.

4th February, 1908.

G. W. EVES, Chief Resident Engineer.