West Cost Times. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1909. HOKTIKA-CHRISTCHURCH RAILWAY.

West Coast Times, 7 September 1909, Page 2

West Cost Times. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1909. HOKTIKA-CHRISTCHURCH RAILWAY.

The construction of the Midland Railway lias induced a budget of adverse comment from the press circulating outside the area directly benefited; the adversity of these comments intensifying as the distance from the rail-way-affected area increases, and for this reason Auckland is ultra-bitter wh6n reviewing the "reckless expenditure of public monies in the south," and to hit home invariably compares its own neglected roadless territory with what appears to the northerner — a network of roads and rails of Canterbury and Westland. 'When the construction of this railway was discussed in Parliament no one took into consideration the supreme value of i1 from a strategical point of -view, and the question was generally approached from a purely commercial aspect or was considered merely the welding of another link to eorn2>]ete our authorised railway system. It seems strange while in our present perio.d of defence fever that -the Hon the Minister for Public Works, when recently replying to an attack on this particular line, merely stated "it would be one of the best paying lines in the Dominion," and did not rise to the occasion and point out its possible potentialities in time of war. It is this consideration that the public's - attention is more especially desired, and with this in view it is proposed to outline the advantages this line would possess were we attacked by any foreign power. Under existing conditions coal is one of the gieat sinews of naval warfare.

and will be, until petrol or other power J producers supercede it as a naval pow-er-developer; But it, will be many years before other power-producers will assert their supremacy over coal, so that the uninterrupted supply of coal during war time is so great an advantage thai upon it the successful issue of a combat may be readily acquired. No fighting nation could afford to throw away the advantage "of the character indicated. The Midland Railway, when completed, will be the key of a coal-supply immune from an enemy's attack. Anyone studying the geographical position of the Blackball and the newer Grey Valley mines will at once see how completely nature has fortified them by the Paparoa range of mountains, which stretch many miles to the north of the Grey River. Not only are mines thus protected, but the railway lines serving them equally participate in their impregnable shelter. The most assailable point in the line of communication between the coal mines and the fortified Lyttelton harbour would be at the Stillwater Junction, but as this is situated about a mile on the inland side of the extremely precipitous Brunner Gorge, it would be an easy task to frustrate the attack of any landing party (should such party be Successful in getting as far as Brunner) especially when_the rapid transport of our troops could be assured by the railway connection with Canterbury. With Lyttelton properly fortified there would be a self-supplying coaling station available for all friendly warships, this — considering the isolation from, the coal supplies — would be the one great advantage which' should enable us to keep our coasts and coastal traffic properly guarded, and to repel any attack from semi-starved oversea cruisers. Contrast this condition with the one of the Midland line unconstr'ucted, and nothing would be easier for an opposing cruiser, after securing full bunkers, to -sink a couple of fairsized merchantmen at the entrance of the Grey and Buller rivers and the coal supplies would be cut off for sufficient time to seriously interfere — if not to prohibit — the re-coaling / of friendly warships. Again, so far as food supplies are concerned, the West Coast under present conditions may as well be an island twenty-four hours sail from the main landjso that were the attacking forces to block the harbours there would be but scant chance of maintaining proper food supplies, but with the railway completed, communication with Canterbury would be conserved, thus maintaining all the necessary supplies. It was mentioned that petrol for naval war-power-pur-poses might ultimately succeed in destroying the value of coal for a similar purpose, but here again the Coast can be a candidate for the supply of this probable new war-sinew, for there is every indication of petrol being struck in abundant quantities at Kotuku, which is contiguous to the line. For years past petroleum has been known to exist there, and some very encouraging prospecting, covering "a period of many years, has been done, -so encouraging, that quite recently it has been decided to prosecute the search more scientifically and vigourously. Regarding the railway commercially there is one condition that should not be lost sight of. It is the fact that the railway wiil -link up two great districts whose trade interests are mutual and

not competitive. In^ this it differs vastly from the North Island Main Trunk Line where the traffic is drained from the central districts either northward or southward by the competing trade centres of Auckland and Wellington, while with the Midland line the traffic will be from termini to termini, thus securing a maximum traffic return for the whole length of the line. It must also b<£ borne in mind that the commodities which the eastern and western districts have to exchange are those in which transport charges form the greater part of their total value when they reach the consumer. Take timber for instance ; its value at the mill is about five shillings and sixpence per hundred, but when it reaches the Canterbury farmer, its value increases by carrying charges alone to at least fourteen shillings per hundred. And although, when the line is completed, these charges will be considerably reduced it is a clear indication that it will have vast earning powers. It might be mentioned here that amongst other economic effects that will be induced by cheaper carriage to Canterbury will be the effectual shutting out of Oregon as a llimu competitor, and of the Newcastle coal as a competitor of our local article. Nor should the passenger traffic be passed without notice, for with it the flow of tourist, commercial men and student would be directed to the Coast. And when it is considered that there are many farmers' sons who have ne\er experienced the glorious sight of a native bush, and that there are many miners' daughters who have never seen a field of waving corn, it must be acknowledged that the line will possess a distinct value from an educational point of view. From the foregoing it will be* seen that the Midland line is not only an absolute necessity from a commercial and pleas-ure-providing standpoint, but that in time of peril it has a strategical value sufficient without any other considerations to proclaim to the the wisdom which prompted the steps taken for its early completion. And as a concluding thought let us just think what sorry hulks our Dreadnoughts would be without coal.

The monthly, meeting of the Westland Hospital Trustees has been adjourned tilJ Wednesday, the 15th oi September.

The Hon. James McGowan, M.L.C, arrived in Hokitika yesterday. During the afternoon he motored to the Kanieri Forks and-inspected the Ross Gold Fields Power Station.

AH members of the Municipal Band are requested to have their instruments cleaned for Wednesday, and to attend practice this evening at 8 p.m. sharp Any member not attending practice will not receive his ticket for the Ross excursion. All bandsman must be in uniform to be "worn on Wednesday.

A member of the Christcburch Chamber of Cummercej Mr J. Ames, spoke gloomily about the frozen meat tra4e at a meeting last week, " I tell you our meat at Home is looked upon as Jog's meat," he said. "It is good meat when we send it out of the country, but when it gets Home it is badly haudled. We want some one at the other end to see that it is properly treated,"

The ordinary meeting of the Westland County Council will be held today.

The Mayor of Ross proclaims tomorrow (Wednesday) a public holiday in the southern borough.

The usual fortnightly social in aid of the funds of the Stafford Literary* Institute will be held on Thursday evening. — Advt..

In order to give our staff the full benefit of the holiday to-morrow there will be no issue of the West Coast Times on Thursday.

A. E. Stapleton, the up-to-date mercer and clothier, has just received a shipment of the famous Jason all wool guaranteed unshrinkable hosiery for ladies and gents. Nothing better on the market, call and inspect. A Press Association wire state's that Mrs Rogers paintings (which, according to a telegram which appears on our 4th page, were stolen from a bazaar at Ashbnrton) were recovered undamaged. It is supposed that they were bidden by mischievous persons.

The death of Mr George Darling, a "well-known resident of Blue Spur, oc curred at the Westland Hospital or. Sunday. The deceased, who had reached the age of 77, followed the occupation of -a miner. He was well-know:; and general regret will be felt at his demise. The late Mr Darling was a native of Glasgow. -The Mayor telegraphed the Hon. Dr Findlay yesterday suggesting that the Public Offices should be closed on Wednesday so as to give the civil servants an opportunity of attending the Ross Goldfields opening ceremony. The fol- ; lowing reply was received last evening : — "H. L. Michel, Esq., Mayor, — Re closing of Public Offices opening Ross Flat Goldfields matter in Hoii. Mr Budcio's province, who is now Minister :.f Internal Affairs. I have referred your wire to him — J. G. Fintllay." The following is the Rev". D C Bates' weather forecast :-^-Cbudy and showery weatheivis probable on the east coast of the north island south of East Cape, and fair weather in most ' other places. The barometer nill probably rise everywhere over the north island as the cyclonic disturbance is now departing to the eastward. Pressure will probably increase shortly in the southern districts, but tae lowv&t pressure of*a forthcoming disturbance is due to passWi Friday, preceded bj northerly and followed by southerly winds. A presentation was made to Mr P. A. Abbie by the members of the Greymouth Golf Club, on the occasion of his recent marriage. Mr W. E. Reynold (captain) in presenting Mr Abbie with a token of their respect and esteem, referred in felicitious terms to the recipient, who had proved himself a good sport and friend. They wished him every success, happiness and prosperity in the future. Messrs A. P. Harper, C. Broad, and T. Thomas also referred in laudatory terms, to Mr Abbie who acknowledged the gift and kindly sentiments expressed. Quite a gloom was cast over Ross on Sunday afternoon when it was reported that Mr John Ryan, a miner, had been found dead near his claim, with a rifle beside him. It seems that Ryan had not been seen since Friday and it was not until two boys visited the deceased's claim that the sad occurrence became known, and Constable Cruickshank, accompanied by two residents of Ross, set out for the locality and the body was brought into the township. Widespread sympathy will be extended to the relatives in their bereavement. The deceased was uni r versally respected. An inquest will be held this evening.

Mr H. C. Stark, formerly manager of the Bank of New South Wales in Hokitika. in a letter to friend in Hokitika, states that he is having a very enjoyable and interesting tour. Latest advices are fx % om Amsterdam (Holland) where he was in July last. Amongst other things he mentioned the famous Bible Rotel where he was staying. This hotel is noted for possessing the only Bible saved at the time people were being burned if found clinging to the old Book, some 250 years -ago. After, leaving Holland Mr Stark intended visiting Germany and Sweden. He wished to be remembered to his friends in Hokitika. Apparently news of the Customs' seizures that have taken place in Wellington during "the last few weeks has spread abroad and produced its effect. Members of the companies of vessels arriving from oversea ports are all now willing to declare everything in their possession When the R.M.S. Paparoa berthed the other day a rigorous examination of the ship was instituted by the Customs' authorities; even the bunkers, tunnels, and holes beneath the engine room being searched. Not an >( undeclared" dutiable article could be found — everything had been included in the statements of the officers "down to tooth-picks," observed one of the Customs' officers. The conveyance of live stock by sea is naturally always • attended with considerable risk, and frequently- heavy Iqss occurs in bad weather, but lately it has been proved that the heavy sea is not altogether responsible for the dumping of stock over the side. During the past month no less than fouriteen prime bullocks, in addition to the average number of fat sheep had to be put overboar din comparatively smooth weather. Although the conditions on the stock steamers provide up-to-date facilities for watering and feeding, the percentage of losses is very great. Shippers say that the recent heavy losses prove that turnipfed cattle, upon which the winter supply mainly depends will not stand the sea voyage so well as' grass or bush fed cattle.

. Dr James Mcßrearty, of Greymouth. who was on his way to Kumara to assist Dr Morkane in an "operation, met with a painful accident when within about half a mile of Kumara. The doctor was driving in a light trap and when opposite Mr J. Andrews' residence, he met another conveyance, which apparently did not take sufficient room and the vehicles collided. Dr Mcßrearty was thrown heavily upon n. stone, luckily landing on his back. Despite his painful injuries and a severe shock, the doctor proceeded to. ihe Hospital after partaking of stimulant provided by Mrs Andrews who had -witnessed the accident. So sharp was the impact that the wheel on the doctor's trap was taken off by the axle breaking. Another trap had to be procured to bring the doctor to town, i

The Nelson football team left on their return home by the train last evening, after spending what they were unanimous in voting a most enjoyable time In Hokitika. Prior to the match yesterday the visitors were driven in the moring out to Mount Misery, being accompanied by some members of the local football club. The drive occupied three hours and the whole of the party were greatly pleased with the scenery at the local ity and by the way.

Another of the old pioneers, in the person of Mr Robert Chesney, passed away at the Kumara Hospital on Saturday evening. Deceased was a native jf Kirkcowan, -Wigtonshire, Scotland, and was 78 years of age. He has been in New Zealand about 45 years, during which time he followed mining with varied success. He was a man of sterling quality and very independent, a characteristic of the pioneers. Deceased- has no relatives in New Zealand but he has a -sister (Mrs Simpson) in Victoria, and a brother iv Queensland.

A Modern Warehouse. — We are confident that the big alterations which ye have made to our drapery warehouse vill be found much more convenient oo our clients than our old warehouse. A new stock of 58 packages of the nc\\'sst goods now showing. Would you like to see -them — prices the lowest ai ways.— Witt. McKay and Son, the leading drapers.

There is not a particle of opium or other narcotic in Chamberlains Cough Remedy, and never has been smce it was first offered to the public. It is as safe a medicine for a child as for an adult. This remedy is famons for its cures of colds and croup, and can always be depended upon. For sale wholesale and retail by J. CJxesneiy and Co., agents.