The Dunstan Times. Beneath the rule of men ENTIRELY JUST the PEN is MIGHTIER than then SWORD. FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 1877.

Dunstan Times, Issue 790, 8 June 1877, Page 2

The Dunstan Times. Beneath the rule of men ENTIRELY JUST the PEN is MIGHTIER than then SWORD. FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 1877.

Several weeks ago we drew attention to tbe desirability of some action being taken in the matter of railway extension. Nothing, however, has yet been done, but we are pleased to find that our representative is not inclined to remain quiescent. Mr Pyke’s letter, which appears elsewhere, will be read with interest, although he does not say which line lie favors. As we understand it, he desires to obtain the opinion of the constituency before committing himself definitely to either line, and calls upon the chief) of the municipalities to convene meetings for the purpose of ascertaining the wishes of the people. This is as it should be. It is for the Electors of the district to indicate their views in matters of this nature, involving no political principle, and it then becomes the duty of their representative to endeavor to give effect; to them. As Mr Pyke points out, we need expect no aid from Tuapeka, the people of which would very much prefer that Lawrence should re main a terminus for all time. This, however, will not satisfy the people of Vincent County. Neither will it satisfy them to go round by Tapanui or Oamaru. A direct line intersecting the County is required, and none of those at pi’esent mooted would be ac ceptable. Let us examine this question a little. There are four possible lines converging at Clyde. The first is an ex tension from Tuapeka by way of Roxburgh. This would be about 140 miles from Dunedin, and it would inquire to be carried through a rocky and mountainous country, all the most available agricultural land in which is already in the hands of a few private parties.Another is by way’of Tapanui, branching frem the main line at Waipahee - mid-way between Balclntha and the Mataura. This line would be nearly 180 miles in length, and consequently would be of but little use to the County. Something may be said in its favor as a medium of communication with a timbered district, but the small modicum of benefit derivable therefrom would be more than counterbalanced by the cost of transit between Clyde and Dunedin. Our Naseby friends favor a line bv Oamaru, but this is altogether out of the reckoning so far as we are concerned. Nor would a branch from Palmerston be of much greater value to us. We want a direct line. And it seems to us that, failing Tuapeka, we shall have to support the newly projected line from Mosgiel, which appears to be the most feasible of any. In length it would be only 120 miles, and it would have • the further advantage of tapping some of the finest unoccupied hurt in the country. Passing through StrathTaieri, the Maniototo Plains, and Ida Volley, it would enter Vincent County by the Poolburn Gorge, and thence be carried down the Mauuherikia Valley by Alexandra to Clyde. The people of Macraes, Hyde, Hamilton, Naseby, Ida Valley, Blacks, Drvbread, Tinkers, Alexandra, and the Dunstan would thus all be brought into near communication with each other, and with the sea-board. Cromwell and the Upper Clutha will of course be equally benefited with ourselves whichever line may ultimately be adopted ; for no matter by what route the railway is extended, through Clyde and Cromwell it must pass to reach the far interior. And we have the concurrent testimony of explorers and engineers that the best and easiest route to the West Coast is by Wanaka and the Haast Pass. As to Alexandra, the only line that can possibly be brought to that township must he constructed on this—the eastern side of the river. If it comes by way of Roxburgh there is small chance of its approaching nearer than Conroy’s Gully, which is the natural route. Here, then, is a subject upon which we can all join hands and work together, laying aside local jealousies, for the common good. It is much to be hoped, therefore, that the Mayors of Clyde, Alexandra, and Cromwell will act upon Mr Pyke’s well intended suggestion, and the people of Blacks will do well to follow suit. Now or never is the time to be up and doing. Other communities are actively canvassing for their favorite lines, and we must do the same if we are not willing to be left out in the cold. The tide, which the poet tells us, “leads on to fortune,” is flowing just now, and it will be our own fault if, neglecting to take advantage of it, we are stranded at the ebb. Some action will certainly be taken during the next session of Parliament —now near at hand—and our representative should be supported bv the people in his efforts to obtain railway communication for the County.