The Feilding Star. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1884. The Central Railway

Feilding Star, Volume VI, Issue 52, 14 October 1884, Page 2

The Feilding Star. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1884. The Central Railway

Although we have been consistent advocates of the route via Oroua or Kiwitea valleys, our readers will probably have observed that we have never in any way committed ourselves by an expression of the opinion that Foilding as a town would, be benefi tted in any way by the junction of the railway. Our contention from the beginning has been that, from a commercial point of view, either of the routes above would be profitable and pay a considerable percentage over working expenses and interest, immediately the line was open, for the first sixty miles, starting from Feilding and mnning through valuable bush and open country. That opinion has been confirmed by later observation. The fact of an established township being made a junction of two or more railway lines is not a certain moans to promote its prosperity ; on the contrary, it is almost certain to have the effect of compelling business mon of capital to withdraw from it to establish houses in the newer townships which are certain to be established on the line as it opens, where business would be more brisk and that feeling of progression obtain which is so useful a factor amongst people who aro desirous of keeping pace with the rest of tho world. The working population would be only increased by a dozen or so railway employes and their families. Our sav/inillers and farmers would not find it necessary to employ more hands than at the present time, dull as trade is. Passengers, lor even men intending to take up land for settlement, do not stay at a junction either for amusement or to select a site for future labors. The ordinary traveller detosts it, with its unavoidable inconveniences. The advantages the Manchester Block settlements will have equally with Palmerston are many. The Boroughs of Palmerston and Feilding are notoriously prosperous, and their affairs of finance may be considered on the whole as well managed, or better, than any two other Boroughs in the Colony. They are both supported by magnificent back country, which is not settled on one hundredth part. Their farming industry exhibits a vigorous infancy which will soon develop into lusty manhood. Encouragement is given on all sides to either the agriculturist or the stock raiser by the fertility of the soil and the general excellence of the climate. These settlers will find ready purchasers for their produce in the great markets of Auckland and Wellington, who will be sturdy rivals for the trade of the interior and West Coast settlements of the North Island, and between whom prices will be kept at a fair maximum. Our exports even now far exceed our imports in value. The former includes timber, grain, wool, fungus, tallow, cattle, sheep, pigs, and cheese and butter may be added from Palmerston and Makino. All of these industries are capable of expansion five hundred fold, and will be so expanded, we firmly believe, when the proper time arrives. Our imports consist mainly of goods of utility and luxury, which the two great importing towns will supply at a minimum of profit in order to secure the greater benefits of our exports. For the latter we hope Wanganui will be able in some measure to compete. The road to the Australian market for our timber lies down that river, and our Wanganui friends are doing their best to facilitate such export. The above ought to show that we will lose nothing and gain everything, by the selection proposed by the Central Railway Committee.