Railway Transport.—Baro to Rigachiko.
The distance is 225 miles. The railway is not yet completed to Rigachiko, where the Bauchi road starts, but I understand from railway officials that the line will be through by next March, 1911. Railhead at present is at Kogin Serikin Pawa, 172 miles from Baro, but rails are laid to within fifteen miles of Rigachiko, and this part of the line will be ready as soon as the bridges are completed.
The railway is 3 feet 6 inch gauge, and has been constructed with economy always in view. Up to the present there is no ballast on the line, and consequently there are serious delays during the rainy season owing to derailment of engines and the washout of embankments. My journey from Baro to railhead occupied fifteen days; the most of this time was lost owing to breakdowns on the line.
The journey should occupy two days, and I have no doubt that by March next it will be possible to get from Baro to Rigachiko in two days.
The freight on the line at present is 8s. per ton per mile, equal to £7 10s. per ton from Baro to Rigachiko, but at present the railway company will not undertake to transport cargo unless it is accompanied, and even then they will take no responsibility.
I understand that in the next year, when the railway is open to Zaria, the freight will be reduced to 6s. per ton per mile, equal to £5 12s. 6d. per ton from Baro to Rigachiko.
Road Transport.—Rigachiko to Naraguta.
The distance is approximately 135 miles. On my journey across by this road I took eight days, which is as quick as can be expected.
The Government engineers are clearing a track twelve feet wide, and pulling out tree stumps. They are also grading down banks of creeks to one in ten.