RAILWAY EXTENSION.

Western Star, Issue 31, 13 June 1874, Page 5

RAILWAY EXTENSION.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —I see by the papers that the M.P.C. for Riverton is trying to got an extension of the Railway from Orepuki to the Waiau, and as I am at a loss to know why or what for can you inform me. Has (hero been any public meeting called to see if the public are in favour of the proposed extension, for I think they should be consulted ou such a subject, as they have to pay for such extensions ; I would like to know if any one has been from Orepuki to the Waiau, to see if a line can easily be constructed. I see the estimated distance is miles ; and the sum asked for to construct the line was £IO,OOO. Now if no one has been to view the country between the two places, how can anyone judge the probable distance or cost. And if a lino is constructed whathradie is there to make it remunerative. Can the most sanguine promoters of the scheme tell me what there is to bring from or take to the Waiau, that would be likely to make it pay. There is not one house or one resident at the Waiau that I am aware of, and if a lino wore to bo made, what is there to cause anyone to settle there. I think if the lino was constructed as far as Orepuki, it would bo far enough for a few years, Instead of extending the line, they would do something to improve the Riverton Harbour, so as to let vessels of a large size to get in, it would be better for the community, but the lino from Otautau via Wallacetomi to the Bluff will be very handy, as merchants, farmers, &?., will be able to ship their goods at the Bluff ; where vessels of a large size can load, a id I am thinking they will if there is not something done to improve the harbour at Riverton. ■ The idea of asking for such a large sum, to be laid out

between Orepnki and the Waian, our member has only got £IOO to repair the road between Orepnki and Kivorton for th o last five or six years is rather rioh, for mini tha railway from llivcrton to Orepnki is only talk yet. I take no notice of the report that the contract is taken for M'Minamon was reported to have got the first section of it twelve months or more ago, and how much is there done. Can you inform mo if Proudfoot’s contract is for seven and a half miles from Pd trlon to Orepnki.—l am, &c. Knqi;ikhk.