State Library of South Australia

Building the railway line [B 69852] • Photograph

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Summary

Distance view of a steam shovel being used to construct the railway line between Wirrabara and Booleroo Centre. A researcher has provided the following information: 'The Government have accepted the tender of Mr William Atkins of Western Australia for the construction of the Laura to Booleroo Centre railway, authorised by Parliament in 1908. The total length is approximately 243 miles (exclusive of sidings) of 3 ft. 6 in. gauge and the contract price is £32, 460 7/11, including 10 percent, for contingencies. The contract did not include station buildings. Second-hand rails, to be furnished by the department, were used in the work. The minimum wage for adult able-bodied labourers was 7/ per day. This would have been some time after 11 March 1909. The line was officially opened on 27 April 1910 with a special train that left Adelaide at 6:40 with his Excellency the Governor Sir Day Hort Bosanquet and other guests.'

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Physical description

1 photograph : black and white ; 13.6 x 8.5 cm

Dates / Publication details

Approximately 1909

Collection

Part of Wirrabara Collection

Subject

Railroads -- South Australia -- Wirrabara -- Design and construction
Steam-engines -- South Australia

Catalogue record

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Digitisation information

Date

17/11/2005

Format

image/tiff

Resolution

3,319 x 2,079 pixels (6.9 MP)

Size

20.73 MB

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