THE CLUTHA RAILWAY.

Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2502, 22 February 1871, Page 2

THE CLUTHA RAILWAY.

To the Editor.

Sir, —With reference to. a paragraph in your last issue, respecting the correspondence on the Clutha Railway, blaming Mr Reid (only) for want of business ability, I think it unfair tp lay such a charge, as those who have had transactions with him can testify to his being a shrewd, calculating, and straightforward man. As tp the construction of the line for L3,0f10 per mile, it is simple nonsense, as all estimates up to the present time are far beyond that amount. The lowest tender in England obtained by Mr Young was L620,00Q, or more than L 12,000 per mile. Of course the alteration in the gauge will make a reduction on that sum. I need say nothing of the unfairness of Provincial work being done hy strangers during

the present depression. As to Mr Audley Coote, I may be supposed at least to know about the business as well as a man who has followed a sea faring life until recently. If you read the Kail ay Act you will find its requirements difficult of fulfilment without a commis ion being paid to the promoters of the company. If the General Government act, in the construction of the railway, as they have done with the Post Office, we may expect it to be quite as ornamental and useless. Perhaps some would prefer having the L15,0U0 given for the relief of the poor during the approaching winter. I dispair of explaining to tlmse unacquainted with matters of finance why a largo vote of interest for a short period would be preferable to the burden of a small vote for a larger number of years, but would merely suggest that such a thing Is worthy of consideration. So far as I have had an opportunity i f judging, I believe that abler heads and hands will be found in this Province than at Wellington to cany out this important undertaking to a successful issue. I am, &c., E. Dk Carle. Dunedin, 18th February, 1871.