THE OTAGO CENTRAL RAILWAY.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2243, 10 June 1881, Page 3

THE OTAGO CENTRAL RAILWAY.

[press association telegram.] DUNEDIN, June 9, Messrs Bathgate, Beid, Bastings and Clark, appointed by the counties interested as Commissioners to inspect and report on the line of the Otago Central Bailway (the report of the Commission appointed by the Government not being considered a just one on the line) have now reported at length. They say that the construction of the Otago Central Bailway would be the means of opening for sale and settlement an area of not less than 2.500.000 acres of Grown lands, about 500.000 acres of which are suitable for cultivation, and the remainder may at present be classed as pastoral and semi-agricultural. Further, “ that about £115,000 has already been expended on the construction of the railway, which sum will be entirely ductive until the line is extended to Strath Taieri. They also say that it would prove to be the cheapest constructed line in the colony, its length being considered,” and concludes, “as a whole wo have been deeply and favorably impressed both with the present and latent wealtb|of this important and magnificent district, and we cordially recommend the completion of the Otago Central Bailway as not only being an absolute necessity for the prosperity of the existing population, but as in itself holding out every prospect of a lucrative return, and being certain to exercise a beneficial influence on the future progress of the colony. In our opinion it is a matter of colonial concern, whieh'should be removed beyond the region of local jealousies or prejudices, and should command general support.”