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Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1166, 24 April 1872, Page 2

It will be seen by a telegram which we print in this morning's issue that the General Government are disposed to grant' Mr Brogden's application for protection, on the conditions which have already been published, to construct the Mikonui Water-race, and that they have given instructions for steps to be taken for reserving the land applied for, subject toexisting rights. On first receiving information of the application we did not hesitate to state that, while the project might be one of too great dimensions to be dealt with by the Governor's Delegate on his own responsibility, it was a project of such importance and promise to the district that it should be considered by the Government with a disposition to, favor its being undertaken, if it were not altogether outrageous. It has not since presented itself to.us in that- aspect, and, with proper restrictions, such as will no doubt be embodied in any ultimate arrangement that may be made, we are sure there are few who will not hail the : introduction of capital into the County, and the prospect of a great work such^ as this being commenced. While referring to this matter, we may state, as we believe we can do, on good authority, that another important project is on foot, in connection with which the Messrs Brogden are the principals. Yesterday, ,we are .informed; -_$he following application^ was' made td'»*the County Chairman, by Mr Tribe, on behalf of Messrs Brogden and Sons :— " I hereby offer to construct a railway for steam traffic frbiri Ro3s, through Hokitika, to the "Grey^coal mtfies. "lirconsideratloirof our doing which,, we 4sk for a belt of laud one and a half miles wide, freehold, the whole length through which to make it. Ariy sold Tandjs that may be crossed or be within #ei?be.lt^ : rtor:hftve a chain wide through them, if required for. the Hrie, conveyed to us, and an area equal io. such freeholds to be conveyed to us outside -of the mile-and-a-half belt." The whole length of the railway .from Ross to' the Grey coal mines, via Hokitika and Greymoiith, it may be stated, i 3 about 45 miles, and the applicants ask for a grq,nt of about 43,000 acres of land as .a bonus., ,The County Chairman has communicate^, the application ty> .the Aeneral Govern? ment, by whom it will, ; no doubt, bo- as maturely considered as it will be much discussed' by the public.