Correspondence.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XVIII, Issue 96, 30 November 1859, Page 3

Correspondence.

To the Editor op the c Nelson Examiner.'

Sir — I am glad to see that the subject of a tramway between Picton and Wairau Plain is engaging the attention of many influential settlers in the new province.

This, I have no doubt, is a step in the right direction, considering the immeuse saving that would be effected in the transit of goods between the two places. I believe, that the whole cost of the construction would be repaid in four or five years. In order to show the superior advantage of a tramway over any other means of transit, I will demonstrate it by the following calculation. By the present means of conveyance, goods which have to pass through either Wellington or Nelson to and from Marlborough, cost, including cartage at either end, about 50s. (fifty shillings) per ton, measurement.

By the tramroad, at a moderate estimate, one horse will draw four tons, or four times as much as can be drawn on a common road. According to this estimate, two horses would bring eight tons' weight from the central part of Wairau Plain to Picton in four hours, allowing the rate of travelling to be three miles per hour. Now, allowing the sum of twenty-four shillings per day for two horses and one man, tiie cost would be but 3s. (three shillings) per ton. Now, reckoning the imports and exports of the new I province to be about 2,000 (two thousand) tons annually, the saving would stand thus — Two thousand tons, present mode of transit at 50s. per ton .... £5,000 Two thousand tons, by a tramroad, at 3s. per ton 300 Saving effected by rail transit . £t,700 Or about fifteen-sixteenths of the present mode of conveyance. An advantage, settlers, no doubt, would think it well worth while to secure.

The next thing to be considered is the expense of constructing a tramway. In the first place, rails could be brought from England to Picton direct, fixtures, &c, included, at £10 per ton. Any ad valorem duty that might have to be paid in addition, would easily be secured to the Province, by having a Custom House at Picton. Now, allowing fifty tons of rails per mile, it would cost £500 per mile. The foundation for the tramway on the side of the present line of road, including sleepers and fixing rails, complete, would not exceed another £500 per mile. This will make the whole cost about £1,000 per mile.- A liberal sum for the purpose. Looking forward to the increased traffic that a few more years will cause, when the lands are cultivated under the home system, the amount of stock that can be grazed on the same extent of country, will probably increase tenfold ; and exports and imports increasing in proportion ; then will the advantages of a tramroad be felt to a greater extent. Although, at the present time, the advantages which will accrue from its construction as a general benefit to the Province are amply sufficient to warrant its being carried out as soon as possible. I am, &c., A Well Wisher op the Pbovince op ! Maklbobough. To the Editor of the • Nelson Examiner.' Sib — I am sorry to trouble you to state that what appears in last Wednesday's Examiner as my deposition in the case of Eden v. Saunders, is a mere fabrication, containing very little that I did say, and much- that I did not say ; neither is the evidence of any other witness in that case correctly reported. I can readily believe, sir, that you are not to blame for such a misreport. I have no doubt that your pub* lisher obtained it from what ought to be the highest possible authority ; and that you regret as sincerely as I do that that authority is entitled to so little respect. If it does not suit his Honour the Judge to give a verdict according to evidence, he can hardly expect that a number of Englishmen will allow him to distort their evidence to make it accord with his verdict. I am, &c, Alfred Saundees.

[With reference to my report of Eden v. Saunders, I beg to say that it contains nothing but what was given in evidence, neither is anything suppressed of the slightest material importance. - Youb Repobteb.]