Senator McCOLL - The answers to the questions are -

1.   Excellent progress is being made as regards earthworks and. surveys. Permanent way is still waiting for rolling-stock contracted for. Twelve 40-ton bogie waggons have been sent to Kalgoorlie, and will probably be erected within ten days. The tracklayer will be attached to the waggons, and when completed platelaying will go on. It is expected that ten or twelve more 40-ton waggons will leave Sydney for Kalgoorlie next week. 2 and 3. On the 29th May last 272 men were employed at Kalgoorlie, and on the16th instant 256 were on. From the end of July to11th September the number dropped to 207, on account of water not having been provided. From that time, however, water has been provided, and, consequently, the number of men employed has risen to 256, and may be expected to further increase, particularly when the platelaying commences.

4.   As soon as the tracklayer and the rollingstock (including the new locomotives) are available, work will be proceeded with at a rapid rate.