Grand Trunk betterments, etc.

Montréal-Toronto double track.—The only portion of the main line between Montréal and Toronto not double tracked is from Port Hope to Port Union, 46.26 miles. A portion of this between Whitby Jct. and Port Union, 13.13 miles, is now being double tracked. The 2nd track is being laid alongside the 1st, without any deviation from the original location, but the grades are being changed somewhat. On Aug. 7 we were advised as follows:—"The temporary road bed for the 2nd track has been laid between Pickering and Port Union. The track has been raised about 5 ft., between Rouge river and Port Union, and about 6 ft. across Dunbarton hollow, which is the second sag in the road east of Port Union. There is a considerable cut 2 1/2 miles east of Port Union, which is proceeding somewhat slowly, owing to the hard pan, but, everything considered, fair progress is being made. A temporary structure has been erected near Dufferin, just west of Pickering station, which enables construction trains to pass over. The teams are making fair progress, grading for the new second track east of Pickering, about 400 ft. having been completed ready for ties and rails. Since the work was started 100,000 cubic yards of material has been moved with the steam shovels, averaging 12,000 cubic yards a week." It is not expected that any double tracking will be done between Port Hope and Whitby Jct. this year, but it is only a question of a comparatively short time when Montréal and Toronto will be connected by a double tracked line. (June, pg. 173.)

Meaford harbor.—The improvements at Meaford, Ont., are about completed. The extension of the line to reach the harbor is about 2 miles long and leaves the main line about 1 1/4 miles from the old terminus. The construction has been easy work. M. A. Pigott, of Hamilton is contractor. The old station buildings will be removed to the harbor and remodelled. The elevator at the harbor is about ready to receive grain.

Southern division.—The entire division has been relaid with 80 lb. rails Ballasting has been completed between Simcoe and Buffalo and part way between St. Thomas and Glencoe. Work on the latter section has been discontinued for the present, but is expected to be resumed shortly.

Chicago elevator.—The Co.'s elevator at 51st. street and Central avenue, was damaged by fire Aug. 2, to the extent of $75,000.

Central Vermont Ry.—The extension from Farnham to Frelighsburg, Que., 18 miles is about completed. We are officially informed that there is no truth in the report that a further extension is to be made to Sheldon Jct., Vt. (Aug., pg. 236.)

R. S. Logan, Vice-President and General Manager, recently had a conference with the Board of Trade of New London, Conn., in reference to a proposal of the Co. to construct a 1,500,000 bush. elevator at an expense of $500,000. Press reports say that Mr. Logan said the Co. would run at least 500 cars of grain a day into the elevator, that a line of steamers would be established, and that the G.T.R. would co-operate in the enterprise. In order to make export business profitable it would be necessary to handle the grain promptly and Mr. Logan asked the city to do away with two grade crossings through the yard. The Board of Trade passed a resolution recommending the city to make an appropriation for the abolition of the crossings. It is not likely that anything will be done about building the elevator until the city takes action as desired.

Railways: G.T.Ry.

Stations: Meaford

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