THE FEATHERSTON-MASTERTON RAILWAY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 360, 4 January 1879, Page 8

THE FEATHERSTON-MAS TERTON RAILWAY.

TO THE EOITOR OP THE NEW ZEALAND MAIL. Sik, —Seeing in 3 our issue of the 2l>t December that the railway between Featherston and Masterton will be completed in eighteen months, I think you have not paid the Wair.irapa a visit of late, or I am confident you would change your opinion about this section of railway. I must say you never saw a more miserable contract carried on. There are not more than 60 men employed. The thing is quite plain the parties in charge do not understand railway works ; they are groping their way the same as if they were in the dark. Tha contractors ought to have at least 400 men employed, that is, if they can get them, as the work is sub-let and re-let, in fact is let all to pieces. It is let so much that working men do not care to have anything to do with it. The time f r the completion of this contract is March, L°80; at the present rate of progress it will be 1890. If the residents of Masterton wish to hear the'railway whistle they had better be up and doing, as it is a matter of moment to them to have the line completed in contract time, taking into account that the contractors have had twelve months more time allowed than they ought to have had. It is reported up here that the first contractor is a supporter of the present Government, and will be allowed as much time as he thinks proper ; this will be seen in time. lam informed that the greater part of the men employed will leave for the harvest, and this section will be at a standstill at the best time of tho year. —T am, &c, Grbytown. December 24,1878.