TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 3, Issue 226, 17 September 1878, Page 2

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17.

As we stated in a former issue, it is with great pleasure that we are able to inform our readers that from reliable authority, we learn that all serious opposition to the Akaroa Railway Bill has ceased, and that it may now be looked upon as reasonably certain to pass its third reading. It seems unlikely either any material amendments will be made in it by the Waste Lands Committee, before whom tho Bill now is. We believe that this happy result is due, in a great measure, to the labors of Mr Montgomery, who has been untiring in his exertions in favor ol a measure which is all important to his constituents. We hope that the inhabitants of the Peninsula will show that they are not unmindful of such services. But, although the Bill may be regarded as safe, the work is not yet commenced, and it will behove all Peninsular residents to watch very narrowly | the course of action pursued by their representatives on the Trust, or they may find themselves shut out from the chief of the benefits which they are entitled to under the measure about to become law. The object proposed to be attained is to connect Akaroa Harbor with the Main South Line. The point of junction is at present immaterial to the question, though we fear a mistake has been made in not taking it further south. However, it is better to accept what we can get, than by insisting on points of minor importance, to imperil the success of the whole scheme. But we must keep steadily in view that the object provided for in the Bill is the making of a railway to Akaroa Harbor. For this purpose certain endowments have been set aside, and certain borrowing powers conferred on the Trust. But unless this object be kept steadily in view from the first, and it be frankly admitted that this side of the dividing range has as good a right as the other to participate in those endowments, it is quite possible that the funds at the disposal of the Trust may all be expended in constructing the comparatively easy and Inexpensive line from Lincoln to Little River, and that Akaroa may find itself left out iv the cold. It is not contended that the funds immediately available will be sufficient to construct the whole line. They will probably have to be supplemented by loans secured on rates to be levied on those lands benefited by the railway. Now it would be manifestly unfair to those at this end of the line that all the available funds should be expended in reaching Little River, and that they should be left to bear the whole burden of a rate for the construction of the most essential and costly portion of the line, at the same time, as no rate can be levied without the consent of the ratepayers, it is highly improbable that those on the other side will consent to rate themselves, after they have once got their line.

The only fair method that occurs to us to ensure the actual carrying out of the expressed objects of the Legislature would be to commence with the tunnel. That work once completed, or even fairly started, the construction of the whole line becomes no longer problematical. And there is another equally valid reason for commencing this work at least simultaneously with any other portion of the line, and that is that, from its nature, it must take longer to construct than the whole of the rest of the line. From three to four years will be requisite for this " 'ole in the 'ill " to be put through. Excellent water carriage exists to the foot of the range, and thence a tramway runs at present to within a few chains of the tunnel's mouth on this side, so that no difficulties need intervene as to carriage of materials, &c. We hope the Trust, as soon as they are armed with their new powers, will take this suggestion into careful consideration, and not allow themselves to be swayed, even unconsciously, by any local or selfish considerations.

There is a provision in the Bill itself which we think has been allowed to remain there from oversight, and which we should prefer to see altered, if practicable. We allude to the provision by which there will be an annual election of all the members. We cannot help thinking that this provision will tend to throw the whole machinery of the Trust out of gear. Independently of the risk of a number of new and untried men taking their seats each year, and others retiring just as they are getting familiar with their work, there is the consideration that for a given time every year, be it long or short, there will be no Trust, and consequently no one in authority. No payments can be made, no contracts accepted, and in fact the whole business must come to a stand-still, Then again there will be a disinclination to entertain business of any importance when the year of office is near its expiry. It will be thought better to leave such matters to be dealt with by the new Trust. We certainly think that the rule which obtains in Municipal Councils and Road Boards would be a great improvement, viz., that a certain number should retire by rotation in each year. By these means the public would be able to express its opinion periodically on the actions of its representatives, and at the same time the total stoppage of business, which must otherwise ensue, would be prevented.