RAILWAY DEVLOPMENT IN SIAM.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12243, 6 January 1902, Page 3

RAILWAY DEVLOPMENT IN SIAM.

The latest British Consular report from I Siam gives an interesting account of the present condition of railway development in that country. In November last the line from Bangkok to Korat, which was the first of the State railways undertaken by Siam, \va3 completed. Tht length of the line is 161 miles, and the journey takes 10 hours, whoro formerly it lasted a fortnight, and part 'of the caravan route was through a densely-wooded district where the traveller ran the risk nf .-ontracting a dangerous fevev. Korat lies in a large plain, which is the centre of trade of the Eastern Laos provinces. The construction of the line began in March, 1892, and has been an expensive one in human life. "Literally thousands of coolies, Chinese, Laos, Siamese, and some Indians have died upon the construction. Of 'Europeans engaged upon the work it is said that at least 30 (probably thero were a few more) died in the country, and of these 19 were British." Korat trado is mainly in the hands of Chinese. The line, which it is hoped will eventually connect Bangkok with Chiengniai, in Northern Siam, is completed as far as Lopturi, about 80 milos from Bangkok, and is being continued beyond that place. A line west of the Bangkok River to Petchaturi is progressing. Meanwhile, the development of Bangkok itself during tiio last two or three years proceeds apace; now roads are being constantly made, Works of unsightly or incommodious structures have been pulled down and replaced by neat shops and residences; iron bridges have been erected over the various canals and creeks; and electric light and electric tramways lia,ve been introduced. Roads in the country have not yet received all the- attention they deserve, and the present excellent canal system requires maintenance and extension. A Dutch expert has recently been engaged to advise upon irrigation. Life and property in the provinces are being made more secure bv a provincial gendarmerie under Danish officers, which has dono good work already in repressing dacoity and cattle-lifting.