The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening THURSDAY, JULY 25, 1878.

Kumara Times, Issue 570, 25 July 1878, Page 2

The Kumara Times. Published Every Evening THURSDAY, JULY 25, 1878.

The question of a Railway to connect the East and West Coasts of the Middle Island of New Zealand, and also Greymouth and Hokitika, is one of paramount importance to this district ; and from a telegram relative to this matter that appeared in our columns a few days ago, it is obvious that our representatives are thoroughly impressed with the benefits that would accrue to the West Coast generally by its immediate construction. On referring to the telegram we find that the Goverment, in reply to the deputation, stated in effect that though they fully concurred in the necessity and importance of the work, the present state of the colonial exchequer would not admit of its ’ being undertaken, but in the meantime the line would be extended to Amberley, on the East Coast of this island. The construction of a railway involves in the first instance undoubtedly an enormous outlay, and the Government, though evidently desirous of opening up and otherwise benefiting the Colony by railway communication, are necessarily compelled to ascertain, before commencing any particular branch, that there is reasonable evidence that the receipts would return a moderate per centage on the expenditure incurred. Viewing the subject in this light we find, on reference to the latest return published of the working account of the New Zealand railways, that on the Ist ultimo, the number of miles opened in the Colony was 1037, and that the revenue derivable therefrom for the preceding twelve months was £512,849 17s 6d ; the expendiI tnre, £368,725 5s Id, showing a net | profit of £144,124 12s fid, or a per | centage of 28-11 on the expenditure I incurred, after deducting working exj penses, which goes towards liquidating i original co«t of construction. We mention that the revenue derived

from seven different wharves in the Colony are not included in this, as in the case of the Greymnuth wharf alone, the revenue was £1507 Is Sd over and above the expenditure for the last year. It is perfectly evident from these returns that not alone is the progress of this Colony being rapidly developed by railway communication, but that in a few years the Government will reap a direct benefit from the Public Works policy. There can be little doubt of the remunerative character of the proposed line, as it will command an enormous coal and timber traffic with various parts of the Colony, and that is one fact which the Government plainly recognise. In conclusion, we would point out to the representatives of the Coast generally in the House that by combined action with the East Coast members, whom this question materially affects, there is every probability of the .East and West Coast Railway becoming a substantial reality, instead of, as at present, a promised uncertainty.