Grand Trunk betterments, etc.

Portland, Me., elevator.—The new elevator is reported completed. The Co. has now elevator accommodation at this point for 3,000,000 bush. (Mar., pg. 103.)

Gorham shops.—We are officially informed that there was no foundation for the recent press reports that it was the intention of the Co. to close the shops at Gorham, N.H.

The Montréal General Offices have been completed and will be occupied in the first week of June. The building is constructed of Bedford, Indiana, limestone, resting on a base of Québec granite. The polished pillars, which are a feature of the front, are also of Québec granite. The vestibule is one of the handsomest entrances to a public building on the continent and is composed of four kinds of rare marble; the lower portion of the vestibule being of black and gold marble from Italy and green marble from Greece; the rose tint marble is from France, and the large panels were brought from the south side of the Pyrenees in Spain. The three panels between the doors at the head of the steps are of a very rare species of marble from Nubia. They are composed of variegated colors of bright hues and are a most interesting study, while the panels on the sides are beautifully marked. Objects of animals and other subjects can readily be discerned in the markings of the marble. The faience of the vestibule is composed of tile work from Gloucester, Eng., and is magnificent piece of work, being glaced porcelain embellished with embossed designs which give the appearance of Italian majolica. The tout-ensemble is a work of great beauty. On entering the corridor on the first floor the first thing which strikes the eye is the beautifully designed elevator shafts constructed of wrought iron work of chaste design with filigree pattern and large monogram "G.T.R." in the centre. The corridor is lined with Belgian marble in large slabs 8 ft. high which perfectly match at the joints and present beautiful designs in variegated shares. This marble is used throughout the building for wainscoting, and figures such as lion's head, donkey's head, jack rabbit's head, tiger heads, frogs, snakes and many other objects are discernible in the markings. The elevators are of a high speed hydraulic pattern. The electric switch board which is located in the engine room is attached to two large panels of marble, which it is said are the finest in this country. Another modern innovation which has been adopted are ventilating fans, which will be found a great boon in the summer as these fans when working will distribute cool air throughout the building; and in the spring and fall they can utilized to distribute hot air when necessary to take the chill from the atmosphere on raw days when the steam heating would not be necessary. The boiler house is detached from the main building and is located in the rear. There is hot and cold water throughout the building. The electric fixtures are of specially chaste design. Ceiling lights are provided for each office, the private offices having suspended fixtures, and one light is provided for each clerk. Modern lavatories are located on each floor. The modern mechanical appliances for heating, ventilating, etc., and the large boilers for the steam heating apparatus are also located on this floor. The system of steam heating that has been installed is of the most modern pattern, working automatically, and instead of the steam being forced through the pipes, it is drawn through by suction, the pipes being cleared of water automatically by the pumps, thus creating a vacuum and drawing the steam through. The stairways leading from floor to floor are made of Tennessee marble, while stair rails and railings around the wells in the centre of each floor are of beautifully designed wrought iron. The floors of each flat are of vitrified tile work. The large vaults that are located in the several departments are spacious and fully equal to all requirements. The light conditions and ventilation of the building are considered the best in Canada and equal to any in the world. The ceilings are high, the windows are large and there is not a dark corner in the whole building. The woodwork throughout is quartered oak, with the exception of the Second Vice-President and General Manager's office, which is finished in mahogany. At the foot of the main stairway leading from the first floor have been placed two griffins which are symbolical of strength and swiftness, strength being represented by the body and legs of a lion, and swiftness by the wings and beak of an eagle, in addition to a pair of listening ears, which are symbolical of watchfulness. The Dominion Bridge Co. were contractors for the iron work used in the construction of the building. The various departments have been located throughout the building so as to best suit business relations one with the other. On the ground floor are the offices of the Canadian, American and National Express Companies, and the book bindery in connection with the audit department, as well as floor space for storage and a well-equipped and modern mail room, fitted up with all the facilities to handle the heavy mail that is daily received and distributed in an institution like the G.T.R. On the first floor are the general audit department, Paymaster's office and financial and money order departments of the Canadian Express Co. The offices that are located on the second floor are the Treasurer, Cashier, Division Freight Agent and Freight Claim Agent. The third floor is called “the Executive Floor,” the following offices being located on it: Second Vice-President and General Manager, Assistant to Second Vice-President, land office; Third Vice-President, General Assistant and Comptroller, Claims Agent, Freight Traffic Manager, general freight department; Passenger Traffic Manager, passenger department and advertising department. On the fourth floor are located the following offices: Manager, Chief Engineer and drawing office, car accounting, car service, telegraph and telephone exchange. The telegraph office is equipped with all the latest improvements and modern appliances that are known, and the telephone exchange is also arranged with latest improvements and will be in charge of two operators. On this floor, in connection with the Chief Engineer's office, is a blue print room with all the accessories necessary to expedite the work of this department. On the fifth floor are the following offices: General purchasing department, legal department, medical department, Insurance and Provident Society and the general offices of the Canadian Express Co. In the south tower of the building two rooms have been provided to be used as an observatory, from which a splendid view of the St. Lawrence river, the harbor and the city can be had. The large clock in the centre of the middle tower was made in England. In connection with it is a striking bell, weight in the neighborhood of 2,000 lbs., placed on the top of the roof, and which can be heard from a great distance. (Mar., pg. 103.)

Bonaventure station improvements.—The improvement in hand and in contemplation at Bonaventure station, Montréal, have led the level crossing committee of the city council to again consider the question of compelling the elevation of the tracks. Several meetings of the committee have been held, but no decision has been reached. It is understood that the company at one time offered to expend $1,000,000 on this work if the city would pay the balance. Bonaventure freight sheds.—A permit has been issued by the Montréal city council for the erection of the new freight sheds at Bonaventure station. The buildings will be two stories high, and will be of pressed brick and stone. The offices will front on Chaboillez square.

Montréal sidings.—The Railway Committee of the Privy Council has approved of the construction of a siding from the G.T.R. tracks across St. Etienne st., to the Laing abattoir.

Montréal elevators.—The Co.'s proposition to the Harbor Commissioners to construct an elevator at Windmill Point, has been laid before the Public Works Department. The Co. proposes, with the approval of the authorities, to expend $1,200,000 on elevator and other terminal facilities. (Jan., pg. 8.)

Montréal guard pier.—The Montréal Harbor Commissioners have decided to lay 2 3/4 miles of track on the guard pier at a cost of $25,000, and to lease to the G.T.R. the use of the same at $7,000 a year. It is understood that any other railway company can obtain the use of the tracks on paying a proportionate share of the $7,000. The G.T.R. is the only company that has applied for the use of the tracks, and it is consequently called upon to pay the whole of the charge.

Entrance to Ottawa.—Press reports recently stated that the G.T.R. was negotiating for the purchase of the Ottawa and New York Ry. from Cornwall to Ottawa, but General Manager Hays stated the reports were without any foundation. Another report stated that the Co. would construct a line from Brockville, or would lease such a line into Ottawa, as soon as it was constructed.

Brockville Sidings.—It is proposed to double the siding accommodation at the Manitoba yards, Brockville, Ont. The sidings now accommodate 250 cars.

Montréal—Toronto second track.—Work has been commenced on the double-tracking between Port Hope and Whitby, 33.13 miles, the only portion of single track now remaining between Montréal and Toronto. On this section there will be 12 1/2 miles of deviation from the present main line for the purpose of securing better alignment and easier gradients. The Railway Committee of the Privy Council approved of the changes. One deviation will be immediately west of Port Hope, and will be 7 miles in length, rejoining the present main line near Newtonville; and the second will commence at Bowmanville and extend to mile-post 295 1/2, near Darlington, a distance of 5 1/2 miles. The curvature on the new line will be very much less than upon the existing one, and the gradients will easier, particularly for eastbound traffic, which is heavier than the westbound. The work will be prosecuted with the utmost despatch. P. Breen & Co., St. Catharines, Ont., are the contractors. (Mar., pg. 103.)

Collingwood sidings.—A siding has been constructed from the Co.'s tracks into the steel works, in course of erection, and to the quarries from whence the stone is being taken.

Owen Sound extension.—The Board of Trade has voted against any further extensions of railway southward along the streets and public property, and has asked the town council to refuse the recent application of the G.T.R. to extend its tracks on Stephen st. (Mar., pg. 103.)

Bridges at Hamilton.—The question of the bridge at Strachan st., Hamilton, has again been before the city council. Manager McGuigan met the committee and reiterated the proposition made by the Co. last year, for a tee bridge at Wellington and Ferrie streets, with a footwalk over the tracks at Strachan st. and the closing of the street for roadway purposes. This was the only scheme, in his opinion, that the railway would consider. The tee bridge scheme would mean an expenditure for the city in approaches of something over $12,000.

The bridge at Burlington Heights is reported completed. During the construction of the new steel bridge over the canal at Burlington, passenger and freight traffic between Hamilton and Burlington, via the Beach, has been suspended, the service being operated via Waterdown and Burlington Jct. (Mar., pg. 103.)

Hamilton-Niagara Falls double-tracking.—Grading for the double-tracking on the remaining portion of the line between Hamilton and Niagara Falls, 43.51 miles, was commenced at Jordan April 17, and the work is to be completed by Oct. 1. The section under contract is from Jordan to St. David, 14.42 miles, the 26.46 miles from Hamilton to Jordan, and the 2.63 miles from St. David to Niagara Falls being already double-tracked., The earthwork on the section now under construction will be heavy, averaging about 25,000 cubic yards a miles. John Ross, Montréal, is the contractor for the grading, and the Co. will do the ballasting and tracklaying. The following bridges will be erected on the section:—double-track viaduct over 20-mile creek at Jordan to consist of 8 deck spans of 115 ft. each, resting on 7 towers, with 7 intermediate spans of 35 ft. each; total length of viaduct 1,170 ft., height 62 ft. Double track bridge over 12-mile creek east of St. Catharines, to consist of 3 spans of 100 ft. each, one span 65 1/2 ft., and 2 steel towers 25 ft. each; length overall 416 ft., height 80 ft. Double track swing bridge across old Welland canal at Merritton, 119 ft. long. Single track skew bridge 250 ft. in length at a very acute angle, carrying Welland railway over G.T.R. main line. Double track bridge over the Michigan Central Rd., at a very acute angle, 60 ft. long. The contractor for the masonry is W. Gibson, Beamsville, Ont. (Dec. 1901, pg. 362.)

Main line deviation at Brantford.—The by-law voting $57,000 to secure the deviation of the main line through Brantford, Ont., was passed by the ratepayers April 17. The location of the deviation has been approved by the Railway Committee of the Privy Council. About 7 miles of line will have to be constructed under the agreement. The by-law requires the approval of the Ontario Legislature before it is binding. (Mar., pg. 103.)

Stratford freight sheds.—New freight sheds are to be constructed, and the tracks in the yard are to be rearranged.

Stratford shops.—It is reported that an addition of 40 ft. is about to be made to the length of the main shop, which already covers 3 1/2 acres; the smaller shops are to be enlarged, and a new boiler shop erected.

Bridges on Southern division.—The bridges on the Southern division are all to be reconstructed, a contract for that purpose having been let to the Dominion Bridge Co., Montréal. Work will be commenced on the bridge over Kettle creek.

Windsor river front.—The Co.'s solicitor has written the Windsor city council that the Co. will give the city a 10 years' lease of the G.T.R. property on the river front between Church st. and Bruce ave., at $5 a year and taxes, and to continue to lease the same from year to year thereafter subject to termination on one year's notice.

Point Edward and Sarnia docks.—It is reported that considerable improvements are to be effected at the ferry docks at Point Edward and Sarnia.

Railways: G.T.Ry.

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