The Evening Star TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 1873.

Evening Star, Issue 3150, 25 March 1873, Page 2

The Evening Star TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 1873.

Two events of very great importance to the prosperity of Dunedin have taken place since the return of the delegates from New South Wales : the General Government have completed the purchase of the Port Chalmers and Dunedin Railway, and accepted tenders for completing the five and a half miles of railway from Green Island to Dunedin. It was very evident to all that the General Government must of necessity purchase the Port Chalmers line, for it would not do to have loaded trains, destined for the Port, subjected to additional charges for haulage, because of passing from a Government line to that of a private company. By this purchase many advantages are secured. Instead of two sets of officers, one staff will be sufficient: instead of clashing interests, leading to adverse arrangements, unity of purpose is secured : instead of two sets of engines and carriages, one complete plant of rolling stock only is needed: instead of two stations at Dunedin, one only is necessary: and in addition the Government will he able to complete their lines now in progress cheaply, through the facilities afforded for transporting imported railway plant to its destination. There is, therefore, economy in every way, and not the least in the fact which became evident the week after the Port Railway was opened, that the warehouse and pier accommodation was inadequate to the traffic that would shortly be developed. This, we believe, the promoters of the Port line were well aware of; but pending negotiations for selling to the Government, they did not feel justified in adding buildings that might not fall in with the requirements of the lines that would lead into it. The completion of the portion of the Clutha line connecting Dunedin with Green Island, will prove of great advantage to the City, in securing to all classes the certainty of a supply of fuel at moderate prices during the coming winter. Apart from all other benefits, this ol itself will be one of those that, because widely spread, are scarcely seen. Many persons may perhaps imagine that the price given for the line is high. For our own parts, we consider the promoters were entitled to a handsome remuneration. They undertook the work amid great discouragement, at a period of depression and financial obstacles. Although the necessity for improved communication was evident, the greatest difficulty was experienced in getting anyone to undertake the work. The Province could not borrow without the sanction of the General Assembly, and the only security they could offer for payment of interest was the Jetty Dues. This was hardly considered sufficient by some of our most far-seeing citizens. They were willing to form a company, but would not take the risk, and wanted additional security, such as is now sought to be obtained for a Harbor Trust—a block of land. The whole affair seemed likely to fall through ; and had it not been for the exertions of his Honor the Superintendent, and the Messrs PiIOUDFOOT, we do not think there would have been a Port Chalmers Railway opened until the General Government had constructed it. When, therefore, the risk, anxiety, and labor are taken into consideration, we believe there is not one in Dunedin who will not agree that the promoters are fairly entitled to every farthing of profit that will fall to them through so successfully carrying out the undertaking.