The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, AUGUST 31, 1901. TO KARAKA BY RAIL—SOME DAY!

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 201, 31 August 1901, Page 2

The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, AUGUST 31, 1901. TO KARAKA BY RAIL—SOME DAY!

For months past there lias been a strong feeling in this district, though perhaps not loudly given voice to, that the slow progress being made in connection with the construction of the Ivaraka railway was by no means satisfactory. It is known that the work is in the hands of an excellent staff, and that for their part they are carrying out their duties in a way of which no one can complain. It was thought that there might be some explanation of the tardy progress of the work, but the letter read at the County Council meeting yesterday, from the Minister for Public Works, came as a “bolt from the blue,’’ and will be marvelled at if not admired by the settlers of this district. The Minister is “ quite unable to admit that the construction of the railway in the past has not proceeded as rapidly as contemplated by Parliament.” Mr Hall-Tones must surely have a remarkably short memory, or else he is not responsible for the letter sent in his name by the Under-Secreiary. Speaking at Gisborne the Minister for Railways gave the people to understand that the railway line would be pushed on with vigor, and ho conveyed a message from the Premier stating that the construction of the line having been started he wished to have it placed on record that it was intended to vigorously carry on the work, not only for the benefit of the people of Gisborne but for the benefit of the whole of this portion of the colony. Messrs Hall-Jones and Carroll expressed like sentiments, and the people were given to

clearly understand that the lino would bo opened in January of this year. From time to time later dates were given, and apologetic statements were made for the delays, but never, until this letter was received, was it pretended that the work was being carried out as vigorously as the public were led to suppose. If the Minister considers that the work is now progressing satisfactorily it would be interesting to know when he really things the line will be open to the Karaka. The ten miles traversed is through light, sandy country presenting no difficulties, but if it takes a year after the time contemplated to complete that simple portion of the line, how long may we expect it to take when the more difficult country has to be encountered and rivers have to he dealt with? A remark that fell from Councillor Hutchinson seemed to imply that the line may not get to Karaka. A statement of this kind naturally arouses the curiosity of people, and the Councillor cither said too much or too little. The most positive assurances have been given by Ministers that the lino will be taken to the Karaka, and Councillor Hutchinson might have stated on what ground he based his supposition. In view of the extraordinary letter from the Minister for Public Works, justifying the snail pace at which the railway is being constructed, the County Council acted wisely in calling the public meeting for this afternoon. \\ c hope to see a large and representative attendance, and that the meeting will be frank in its declarations. There is no need for a great amount of talking, but strongly-worded resolutions should be adopted. (.Tovernment j should be asked to state when it is intended | to open the line to Ormond, and by what i month they contemplate that the line will be complete to the Karaka. The settlers of the district will then know whether it is really intended to vigorously push on with the work, or whether a good deal of what has been done has simply been a delusion for electioneering purposes. For their own justification, an explanation should be given, If the. present rate of progress is considered satisfactory in easy country, we fear that, ere the line is completed, the new cemetery just located will have had many plots occupied by the earthly remains of respected settlers who had hoped to have lived long enough to have enjoyed a ride in the train to Karaka. We trust that the Government will take up the railway work in real earnest, show that they appreciate the progress the district is making, and that there will be no going back on the promises given.