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Manawatu Herald, 30 August 1878, Page 2

less, . for Mr. Macakdrkw possesses qualities which enable him, not only to adminisfcor well, but also to master the larger questions which belong to the important Department of which he is the head. The Public Works Statement delivered by him in the Lower Houso on Tuesday night, is clear, distinct, and concise, without undue brevity. We have perused it with great interest, and think it will considerably increase Mr. Macawdrew's popularity in the Country, and tend to establish the Ministry in popular favor. The interest of Manawatu residents will of course gather around the Wellington* Foxton Eailway, and it is satisfactory to know that the Government fully appreciate the importance of the work, and are des, termined to carry it on directly circumstanoes will permit. A short time ago, when agitating the West Coast Railway, at a meeting of Wellington merohants, Mb. Travers hinted that the Government were opposed to the construction of the Wellington« Foxton line. The Statemeut of Mb Macandrew is directly contrary to this. The Government certainly are quite sensible of the difficulties to be encountered from the native ownership of the land along the line, which is without doubt the ohief obstable to the raib* way. Yet, whilst admitting this difficulty, the Government are fully alive to the necessity of pushing on this work for the double purpose of opening up the country through which the line would pass ; and of completing the great trunk line beN tween Wellington and Anckland. We quote Mr. Maoandrew's words : " If the two great centres, Wellington " and Auckland, are to be efficiently " connected by railway this Welling- " ton and Foxton portion must be ' ' constructed at some time. I believe "it to be well understood that we " should accept the conclusion that " that connection has to be made ; " and if so, I think the Parliament " and the people will agree with me, " that the sooner it is done the better " for the country." These sentences give a complete denial to Mr. Travers' statement, and show that we may rely upon the Government pushing an with the work as fast as possible, Wo coriißy^^telfcedthe sohemo prqna^fl^^^^^^^^^^B^^He

must get the land as scfmrfifior the loan required to construct die line, and to pay for smiting fund out of the increased value. This native difficulty, however, can be overcome. Time, skill, patience, discrimination, and money will be required ; and doubtless sooner or later, the vast blocks of nativo laud will form a part of the Colonial Estate. Meantime, we are gratified with the intentions of the Government, as oontained in the Statement we publish, and if their action prove to be in accord with their professions, the people of Manawatu will have every reason to hope for their con* tinuance in office. As to the route for the line, we have every confidence that the " Government will make a "further and most thorough in vesti* " gation as to the best route to be " adopted," and whatever direction is chosen, from Wellington to Wai* kanae, Manawatu settlers oare but little,provided <\lwaj a the Wellington* Foxton line is pushed ahead.