THE Inangahua Times, PUBLISHED TRY-WEEKLY. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1882.

Inangahua Times, Volume VII, Issue 1128, 11 September 1882, Page 2

THE Inangahua Times, PUBLISHED TRY-WEEKLY. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1882.

The proposal of tls Government to carry the main trunk railway line of this island from Blenheim southwards, through a country at present only populated by cattle and sheep, has aroused the bitterest feeling in Christchurch, and public meetings without number have beeujcalled on the subject, at which the proposed route has been denounced in the most deservedly condemnatory tones. The Canterbury people very properly say that the : Government route will run through either wholly uninhabited wilds or : through very sparsely populated places, and that the construction of such a line woujd merely benefit a few run|<h6lders, *SiSaW«fe l^'Ui^br. r M+- ] Moore, arid- others, at the '^expense of, and to the great loss of tne Colony. Such a railway would not pay working expenses for years probably, as no reciprocal trade could possibly be established between the termini, whereas, as has been 'abundantly shown, on the . completion of ft line between the East * and West Coasts, not only would there be a.ri immediate and large passenger traffic, owing to the rapid development of the mines both quartz and alluvial, throughout Westlaud, but each side of the ranges could supply the other with . y/hat is needed. The West Coast can offer Canterbury, timber, coal, and other products, whilst on the other hand, the latter can furnish agricultural produce and stock, that we cannot for many years to come, if ever, expect to raise in suflicient quantities to supply our wants. It is true that in the Loan Bills just passed an apportionment is made of £100,000 for the extension of the Greymouth-Reefton line, but that does not affect- ' the vital question, the diversion of the main trunk line via Blenheims The Canterbury people complain, and with g^d reason, of the^apathy showri&ujjpie West Coast generally, on a sul.jWt'that so materially affects their best*3feerests, and they are jj^pecially surprised at Reefton, which formerly was so active in railway agitation, collapsing in the way it fias. done. A resident in this town, who has very recently returned from "a Canterbury trip, says that this feeling is very general, and he attended during his visit a number of meetings that were held on railway matters. Perhaps now that the late " spurt " has subsided a little, and calni reigns for a^wbile the question may be revived. It is of far greater importance than residents seem to attach to it. They can go semi-insane over a. golden patch in a local mine, and exhibit both energy and intelligence in making the most of any opportunities that such windfalls afford, 'why cannot- they devote a little of these" qualities to&a matter, which though not immediately profitable, will yet have \iast influence in time to come on the substantial arittfc permanent prosperity of the distrioff It is true that the loan has beeiyillocatod, and a sum included in the schedule! for the extension from Blenheim, but that is by no means final,, and agitation on both coasts, befoie the money is ready to be laid out, may cause a change of route that will be equally advantageous to both coasts and the Colony at large. For months we have endeavored to stir up the latent fire of the .Railway Committee, but without the hast success. 'I he people here seem to bo too engrossed altogether with the present to care for tl c future, though with it their own v elfare is so intimately associated. It is not too lote even now to re- rgauise the committee, and rr-conmieiHO a steady agitation, in connection with, Chri§tchurch.

No immediate effect could be achieved, . but the way could be paved for act-ion j when the time came, and it is to be ; hoped that property holders and people interested in the advancement of the district will follow the lead of their Cliristchurch neighbors, and work hand in hand for joint and mutual good.