WELLINGTON.

Manawatu Herald, Volume II, Issue 74, 11 May 1880, Page 2

WELLINGTON.

♦ (PROM OTTR OT7N CORRESPONDENT.) ON THE " STUMP." The " Liberal " journals inform us that Sit George Grey is about to commence the political campaign, visiting Auckland first and Christ-church in the couise of a fortnight or so. Possibly those favoured cities may be the only ones treated to an expression of the old Knight's opinion on matteraffecting the whole human race, and nations yet unborn &<£„ &c, &c. (as per Hansard), and in the interests of all peace-loving aad right-thinking subjects, let us earnestly hope that it may be so. Exhibitions of this nature are scarcely productive of good even at the time, and leave behind them no little enmity and ill will. In this matter the actions of the members of the present Government stand out in marked contrast to the actions of iheir predecessors. The members of the present Administration have travelled not a little, and yet they have carefully abstained from any political or objectionable displays, making it their constant practice to devote themselves strictly to business. Wo are glad to hear that the old veteran still has the bodily strength and energy to undertake this work, but we could wish that his energies were better employed. BAII/WAY COMMISSION". The members of the Railway Commission are slowly wending their way through the length and breadth of the land in the conduct of thoir investigations, having just gone overland from Cfhristchurch to che West Coast The Government seems to find this Commission a vsvy convenient shelter just now. Wavering supporters who are very pressiug with their claims for their own little railways are politely told that " We are quite in favour of this most important line, but these matters are out of our hands, you know, and you had better lay your case bafore the Railway Commission," und in the present crippled state of our finances it is very handy to be uMe to say that " We cannot go on with this line just yet, for although Parliament h.aa. authorised it, yet the Commission

has not approved the route," and a hundred other excuses of a kindred character. However, if the Commission doe 3 its work properly and impartially, and does not take too long about it, it should be productive of real good. The railway accouuts. which are now kept more in detail, so that the earnings and expenses of the branch lines can be seen apart from thoso of the main lines, reveal the appalling fact that one or two of the little political lines in the South, not only do not even pay their working expenses, but a considerable portion of the revenue derived from the main lines his to be spent to keep these precious branches open at all. Thus, the Ngapara, line for instance, costs the Colony half a crown for every shilling it produces, and this on worhing expenses only, leaving the interest on *Jie cost of construction to be entirely paid by the Colony. With such experience as this before us it was indeed high time that some impartial tribunal should have the determining of what new lines should be constructed. WELLINGTON RAILWAY STATION. A tender has at length been accepted for the new Passenger Station on the Reclaimed Land. Much surprise, and no little disgust, was evinced when it became known, that it was intended to erect a wooden station right in the heart of the Oity.and in a position where none but the Government would be allowed to build with combustible materials, but on an assurance being given that the proposed building was only to be onsidered as a temporary station, to last at the outside about four years, till the traffic of the line had developed itself sufficiently to show what station accommodation would really oe required, further opposition to its erection was withdrawn. The proposed station is not by any means commodious, nor particularly handsome, but for a temporary station for three or four years ifc will do well enough. It is eminently satisfactory to be able to mention in connection with this station matter that the Government has decided to revert to the original plan, which Mr Macandrew upset, so that the whole station accommodation —goods, passengers and all, — will be on the Reclaimed land, near to Mill's Foundry ; instead of having a trumpery passenger platform on Waterloo Quay and the whole of the remaining Station accommodation nearly down at Kaiwarra as Mr Macandrew planned it. CHEAP LIVING. One of the effects of the " bard times " lias been to considerably cheapen the cost of living in town. Houses can now be obtained at a much more moderate rental. Butchers are outvieing one another in the quality of their mutton (any joints you like) at 2d per lb, while really good legs are to be bought for 9d, or three for 2s. Our coal merchants, too, are advertising the very substantial reduction of 10s per ton in the price of their staple, best Newcastle coal now selling at 30s per ton. Aud last, though perhaps not least, an enterprising baker has reduced the price of the 41b loaf to fld. With the prices of the necessaries of life ruling so low, the poorer classes are able to get along fairly well, although working at considerably reduced wages. Aud signs of improvement in the times are not wanting.