THE RAILWAY QUESTION.

Dunstan Times, Issue 552, 15 November 1872, Page 2

THE RAILWAY QUESTION.

(to thk editor of the duxstax times. ) Slu,—l venture to assort that the action taken by your citizens in regard to the proposed up-country railway lines, and the discussion thereby evoked, has at length led the people of the Teviot district to take an interest in a question so vitally affecting their future prosperity. Unfortunately, in this district, the disingenuous policy of thejournalisticorganof the Tuapeka party has hitherto had a .considerable degree of influence, especially with that portion of the community who view with suspicion and distrust any scheme which receives support from a runholder. But this prejudice is fast dying out, and the intrinsic merits of the Central Trunk Line arc rapidly becoming more and more patent to every disinterested and rational observer. It is felt that too much time has been allowed to elapse without any dellnite action having been taken, and strenuous efforts to make up for lost time are in con contemplation. This district, indeed, is in a curious and critical position, for while the Dunstan might hope, in the course of time, to bo connected with the Northern Trunk system, the failure of the Waipahi Lino would place us absolutely at the mercy of Tuapeka. With all due regard for our friends in that quator, I have no hesitation in venturing to assert that this district is worthy of a higher destiny than becoming a mere appanage of Tuapeka. Yet such is its too certain fate, if the cause of honesty, public spirit, and justice is allowed to he defeated. In conclusion, I beg, in the name of the Teviot district, to convey to you our cordial thanks for the able conscientious manner in which you have advocated the cause of the up-country districts. Trusting you will find space in your valuable columns for these remarks. I am, &c., . SPECTATOR. Roxburgh, Nov. 12, 1872.