SUMNER RAILWAY.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2063, 4 October 1880, Page 3

SUMNER RAILWAY.

TO THE EBITOH OF THE PEES 3,

Sib, —Kindly allow me space to refer to the prospectus as issued by the promoters of the company, and the letters appearing in your columns written by the interim secretary and by "Engineer." The prospectus shows a calculation of income based on the return fare of Is 6d. Why take such a low average? Assuming the distance to be eight miles, will give the return fares of 2s and 3s respectively for first and second class, or a single fare of Is -ii and 2s. Assuming that 60,000 persons will use the railway in the year, surely one-half of that number may be reokoned to pay a full return fare (2s or 3b), or ride first-class at single fare, 2a. To take 60,000 passengers at 2s will be nearer the mark than the eighteen pence allowed by the promoters. The extra sixpence raises the net income £SOO, and gives a dividend of 12 per cent, on the cost and working expenses, in place of seven and a half, which the prospectus shows. To hear that a railway can be constructed for such a small sum as £IO,OOO is quite startling in these days. Did Sumner occupy a similar important position to any other colonial town than to Christchurch, a railway would have been made long since by private, and, probably, individual eLterprise. I am convinced that no section of the New Zealand railways can show such a profit on cost and working expenses as this line will, and it will be a matter of general regret if the prosent project should fall through for want of public support. As to cost. The promoters have the reports of the two most able railway engineers we have, viz., Messrs Dobson and Son and Mr Outhbert. In addition, there is the estimate of a gentleman equally well up in such matters, via., Mr William White. With such estimates before us there caa be little doubt as to the cost being within the amount named in the prospectus ; and if the capital fail to bo subscribed twico otot it will greatly turpriae, Sours, &c, One Ihthbbstbd.