THE WAIMA PLAINS RAILWAY

Mataura Ensign, Volume 6, Issue 294, 2 October 1883, Page 2

THE WAIMA PLAINS RAILWAY

In view of the recent agitation for a moderation in the tariff for goods on the Waimea Plains line, and in view also of jbhe frequent complaints made by settlers of the want of accommodation at the various sidings between Gore and Lumsden, a brief statement of the doings of the directory on their recent visit of inspection will prove of benefit ,botb to shareholders as showing the interest the powers that be take in their affairs, and to those who have settled on the land adjoining the as showing that the owners of the line are desirous of studying their interests. Let us be frank. So far thelinehasnotpaidhandsomely,andinsteadof dividends the shareholders ,have been the recipients of notices ot calls at intervals more frequent than expected when the lino wa* rtnsfc taken in hand ; hence it was that the goods Iraiff was increased in December last instead of a rate being levied on the land of the settlers to make up the deficiency in receipts. Whether the imposition of this increased tariff was expedient is a question that neei not now be discussed hers, aud we shall only say that if the shareholders had held on for-a year or two and patiently borne their losses the line would ultimately have paid them handsomely and no traffic that properly belonged to it would have been driven to the Government lines. But we do not look a^ the matter through the spectacles of shareholders, and no one admits more readily than we do how h.ird it would be for them to pay and look pleasant. We are more in elined ,to study the interests of the settlers* It cannot be denied, however, that they have iaimensely^beaefited by the line, and while we would much like to see a reduction in the tariff, while we wonld like to see the appointment of a stationmaster at Riversdale and the provision of other conveniences, we do not believe that there is a single settler but would willingly bear a reasonable sha-o in the loss -at which the line is being worked. They would never agree to its stoppagcj It comts to this : the shareholders in most instances have invested their money in, the hope of getting some return, though a few certainly may have done so to gain other ends ; and i is not reasonable to suppose in .these days of self that they will sit calmly down and provide conveniences for the settlerl without any return for their money. Would the settlers reciproeate ? But a truce, to this moralising. Let us get to the practical part of the business, and sketch the proceedings ef the direotQr-s-.Mc.wrß G, M. Bell, W. J. M. Larnach, H. Driver, H. Bastings, J\ Mitcheli,snd G. W. Eliott. These "gentlemen arrived at Gore by Thursda. N express, anl, after being joined by Mr T. Green, left for Lumsden by special train, Messrs Austing.aud Donald being picked up on tlie way. Several of the directors had not previously been over the line, and these joined with those who were familiar with the country in commendation of the land and expressions of surprise at the number and size of the various townships along the line. Mr Bell, who has been absent frem the colony for some time, was probably in the best position of all to nqte the increase in material wealth, and he expressed himself as very much surprised with the strides settlement had made. He met a number of his old friends, and all were glad to see him ouce start ia the distriot and pleased to learn that he intend^ t<f again takp"up~bis abode in the colony, Let us hope his place of residence will not be far from Gore ; men of his stamp arc wanted here. But we are digressing. On arrival at Lumsden the party put up at Mr Ot. Howells' hotel, and next morning saw a great number of settlers with reference to various matters connected with the line. They were also met by' two or three deputations about different accommodations wanted on the line, and after these had been patiently heard a start was made on the return journey with the object of inspecting the line at various points. The first stoppage of any importance WW ra»4e at Lintley, where,tin response to requests made from time to time, a siding is to be put in. It is believed this will be sufficient for the requirements ef the settlers for some time, but before long if settlement progresses as rapidly in the future as it has done in the past more extended accommodation will be required at this place. Then the party had a look at a place near McKinlay's, where approaches ]to the |ine are required, TJds would be a work of considerable inagnitub> ? and as variou s interests are involved some delay may occur before anything definite is done owing to a diversity of opinion between the Southland County Council and the company ; but it is hoped that before long the matter will be amicably settled aud the numerous body of settlers put to--.no further inconvenience Longridge was shortly after reached. Here it is proposed to erect a platform. At Sand* stone itia intended to put in a crossing and a siding for the convenience ef the Agricultural Company's amd Government settlers. Arrived at Riversdale the party found sumptuous lunches prepared both at Mr Gee's and M r Boas', aud divisions were told off io do justice to these. Then there was more Interviewing, and as a result it was agreed thnjb a platform should be put in and t passenger shelter shed erected, This will in*, measure supply the necessities of that rising town, and we believe it U not unlikely spine "f atisfactory arrange* ment will be'made for the reeeipfc and booking of parcels, &c, without 'the appointment of a full-blown S.M., a luxury .the company can scarcely afford. Two or three miles this side of Riversdale, near McKay's and Salmoud's, a level crossing will be put in along the roa<jl just farmed there by the County Council. ' 'Several" Jfandeyilhi settlers wjjte,d upon the director!, and secured •"promise that a shelter shed should bejerected and a stock' loading ibank provided, both being much noede'a, Arriving at (jtqnev Cr«ek, the direc tors came to the^ conclusion thai 'there was likely to be a large amount ot traffic to and from the line at that point. To provide Ui this the existing siding will be lengthened and a platform pufup^forthe convenience of the settler*, -h»y e np w sketched the prineipal reforms proposed,' and oiir' readers will agree with us that when the work is completed—and we believe there wili be no unnecas|s«|f de^y—theie will be little cause for grumbling Excepting tf the ra^s for the Cftiri»ff«9f goods over the Tine,