THE MATAURA STATION.

Mataura Ensign, 21 April 1913, Page 4

THE MATAURA STATION.

The visit of tho Minister for Railways afforded an opportunity for tho residents of Matuura. to lay sundry grievances before him in relation to the railway station. The Government, has mado somo very important alterations in the station yard, which will provide ampl« accommodation for those using it. But there can | w no doubt that tiie Department mado a mistake when it refused to erect a new station building. Tho present structure has certainly beeii materially altered and it would be interesting to know what it has cast to renovate and patch up this venerable building. The arrangement of the outbuildings, however, leaves very much to be desired and tho Minister has promised to see if some improvement cannot be effected. This is as it should be, and wn trust that Hon. W. H. Berries will authorlso tho removal of tho present building to a more appropriate situation. Tho promise to have a viaduct constructed betneeln tho frawing works and tho Council Chamber should be acceptable to all the ratepayers on the west sidto of the lino. The country there is subject to flood and the increased escape for the water will be a distinct advantage. Tho facilities afforded to the coal mine proprietors will onlable a Larger trade to bo done. There is an unlimited demand for the coal and shingle which is found in the vicinity of the borough, and it is the duty ol' tho railway authorities to encourgo this trade. It is unfortunate that the railway officials cannot see their way to furnish even greater facilities than they havo done for this trade. Although Mataura is noted more for tho power derived from the falls) than for its coal deposits, we believe that in the future there will be a great number of industries carried on at the pits. The ease with whioh tho coal is mined and its cheapness as a steam, fuel will yet bo availed of by •nanufacturer*. Th&ls steam is more reliable than water derived direct from a river liko the Mataura has been amply proved during it/he past few weeks, and tho Government would do well to profit by the exporienoo of the Freezing Company at Mataura'. Tho Public Works Department has Large water-power projects in process of development, and. the fact that a river which floods is liable to put the power plant out of commission should be noted', and provision made by dams or other means to minimise the risk when the Government exploits the rivers of the country. The inconvenience experienced: by all who use suoh power is very great. The visit of the Minister to Mataura should therefore Ixi of advantage to the general public as well as to tho burgesses of Matanira.