Inangahua Times. PUBLISHED TRI-WEEKLY. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1882.

Inangahua Times, Volume VII, Issue 1134, 18 October 1882, Page 2

Inangahua Times. PUBLISHED TRI- WEEKLY. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1882.

There is something definite now, in relation to the Railway Commission to determine, or rather recommend, the best route northwards for the main trunk railway of this island. The constitution of the Commission, without being altogether objectionable, is at least lingular in respect to ' r Pollen iieing one of its constituent parts. This gentleman posesses unquestionable ability in his profession, and is. /noreover, one of the best writers for the press in the colony. When Colonial • Secretary, he proved a very good departmental man, but what lie knows of railways, or railway routes, we have yet to learn. One thing unfortunately is certain, that he will start a large bias in favor of the Government proposals, though we do not

M»H'"l" ' ■ i~— —— — — — J_ — ~^* for a moment suppose that, if the evidence on the other side is strong, he would strain his conscience to report in their favor. Mr Thompson, who .will constitute the professional element jn the Commission, has had long expe- ■ riencu in the survey Held, and, we I think will rather lie swayed by easy I gradients, and cheap construction, than by increased expense, with overflowing trailie to meet it. We therefore fear that economical considerations in the first outlay, rather than greater cost with greater returns, public convenience, and progress of the colony, will materially influence his judgment when called on to join in framing the report. Mr Thompson is ono of the old, old, school, who has little sympathy with, or interest in, mines or miners, but has the most perfect faith in beef and mutton, and in the pastoral interest. At present it is not certain whether Mr Fulton will form a unit of the trio, but it is to be hoped most sincerely that he will. He is one of the most straightforward men in the House, and whatever decision he may come to, it may be taken for granted that it will be the outcome of an honest desire to give one in which he thoroughly believes. He will be a valuable member, and it will be well if his appointment be confirmed. In connection with the railway agitation, there seems every reason to fear that the views of the Inangahua district, which are supported by Canterbury, will hardly be in consonance with those of the Nelson Committee. In our last issue we gave an abstract of the report of the Executive Committee meeting of the Railway League;theNelsonroute indicated would by no means suit either here or our Canterbury neighbours. This district is virtually asked to support Nelson in seeking an almost impossible line to that city, and then stand by and take a yery slender chance of g at some very distant date, a branch from "The Central Route." That is hardly good enough, under present circumstances, but there are hopes that the matter may be arranged, as suggested in the motion carried in the League Committee, and that united action may yet be taken. The secretary of the League sent a very courteous and well worded 'telegram on Saturday, xo the Nelson Committee, explanatory of the Reefton views, and setting them out clearly, without the possibility of being misunderstood. If the Nelson people I will agree, all will be well, but, if they decline, all this district can do is to act vigorously with Canterbury, in preferring our claims. Should any split take place, it will handicap us a little more heavily, union in such a ease being undoubtedly strength, but it would be just as well to throw the whole thing up, as to acquiesce in the Nelson proposals as they at present stand. A reply from there may be expected to-day or to-morrow, and the local Committee will then decide what, further action to take.