Condition of Russia's Railway.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 54, 2 July 1887, Page 1 (Supplement)

Condition of Russia's Railway.

A foreign military engineer, who has jusb arrived from Central Asia, has given me some information respecting bhe railway there. He has been allowed to examine ib, permission never being given to English military officers, v The Central Asian■ Railway, he states, is not so well constructed as is generally believed. The works have been so hurried that sufficient time has nob been allowed for the line to settle, and consequenbly bhe rails have nob been securely laid. The importance of bhe railway is generally greatly exaggerated. It will be sufficient for the present trade in Central Asia, but if that increases to any extent, which my informant does not consider very probable, greab changes will have bo be made in the managemenb. Sbrabegically, the railway is not of great importance. Should serious complications arise in Central Asia, ib would nob suffice for the transport of the troops and provisions necessary for an extensive campaign. Many years must elapse before branches can be constructed so as to enable the Russians to turn the line to much account in case of war.—St. Petersburg Letter to " London Daily News."