CURRENCIES.

Western Star, Issue 946, 9 May 1885, Page 3

CURRENCIES.

The opening of the railway extension to Orepuki may bo considered an event in the history of that district of which the residents aro no doubt justly proud, since the days of mudlarking are over. The influx of visitors on the opening day must have severely taxed the resources of the place, although, judging from results, the "pubs" had evidently provided for emergencies. Universal good-fel-lowship was the order of the day, presentations, speeches, eating, and drinking one another's health, and everybody satisfied except perhaps one gentleman, who stated that he would not be satisfied until the line was extended to the Waiau.

The extension of the line to the Waiau would, no doubt, be an excellent, thing if carried out within the next 15 years and probably General Clearemoff, when he takes Possession of this part of the country, will see the advisability of doing so as early as posBible, if only to repel the invasion of the ferrets which, we are informed are only to be found there in any appreciable quantities, but which are already making themselves felt among the heneries of Gumnne s Bush.

Poor Riverton! Why on earth should she bo made to pay 3s fare to Orepuki and back per excursion on Tuesday ast, to 4s Gd from Inrercargill? At the latter's rate Is 10|d would have been the amount, or, say, 2s brst class and a corresponding rate for second class. But this is on a par with other railway matters, as far as Riverton is concerned.

There is one way, however, in which wo can beat the railway, and that is by the " liquid highway," as Sir George Bowen described it. A glance at the manifest of any Teasel entering the port will show that a l.»rge portion of the cargo for the County of Wallace comes through this port. Our .duty, therefore, is clear-to make the harbor as available as possible for the extension of tho shipping trade of the County.

"Man's inhumanity to mnn, Makes countless thousands mourn. These lines are brought to mind by rend in K the last report of the Surgeon Supermtmdent of the hospital, a portion of which awakens feelings of a painful nature, and wonders that such things caube. Of course, in. the absence of any particulars, we can only wonder on, and fervently hope for better things in future.

And while referring to the hospital, is it not high time we put our shoulder to the wheel, and, by public meetings, try to enlist public opinion, public canvass of the district and all other public and private legitimate, means or otherwise, endeavor to double its ■ize and accommodation.? The matter has been brought before the Committee often 'enough, but apparently without any _ sub-j Btantial effect. The population of the County must have nearly doubled during the last six years, whilst the accommodation of the hospital is scarcely any different.