The Victorian Railways began in 1854 and in the first 14 years up to 1868 had managed to complete about 250 miles of track. The next 60 years saw the system expand to nearly 3000 miles. By 1931 every town with a population over 500 had its own railway station. Early Victorian railway maps indicate that the extension from Colac to Warrnambool and then onwards to Koroit, occurred in the period of the 1880’s when the act known as the Octopus act saw a rapid expansion of lines. At the time there was much debate over where the expansion of the lines should take place, with one of the prime considerations for Warrnambool was the impact it would have on its port.The building of the railway to Warrnambool and onward to Koroit was a significant event for the town. Green cloth cover with tan suede corner points and spine. Title printed in gold on front cover. Title printed in gold on red on spine. 92 pages. The contract is printed and includes handwritten entries with specifications.Handwritten on front cover and inside front cover ” Copy for Engr in Chief” .On Page 2 transferred to Allan Reid * 24/1/88 Co Briscoe & Co Little Collins Street, Melbourne.warrnambool, railways, warrnambool to koroit railway, victorian railways contract no 2937