THE WAIRARAPA AND WOODVILLE RAILWAY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5710, 18 July 1879, Page 5

THE WAIRARAPA AND WOODVILLE RAILWAY.

TO THE EDITOR Olf THE NEW ZEALAND TIMES.

Sir, —As there seems a probability of a new loan being floated, I suppose it is likely the railroad will be pushed through from Featherstoa to Woodville. The question at issue is which way shall it go, via Eketahuna or via Aifredton. It is reported that the engineers prefer the former, as it is not quite so expensive ; but if they want to save expense they had better lay the rails on the metal road, which now needs over £II,OOO to repair it. What good will that road be upon which so much borrowed money was expended if there is a railroad just alongside ? Whereas, if it was made via Aifredton it would open up a large tract of country for cultivation between Alasterton and Aifredton, and increase the value of many thousands of acres of Crown lands between Aifredton and Woodville. It would also save making other roads to open up a great deal of land east of the Forty-mile Bush-road. It is more than probable that the extra value ?t would put on Q-overnment land north of Aifredton would more than make up for the extra expense of making it this way. Supposing the railroad was made via Kketahuna, and the metal road was repaired, would it be just or fair for the Aifredton people to have to help in supporting it by paying the same taxes as the Eketahuna people, and eo assist in making two good roads for them, while they have none for themselves ? I hope this matter will receive due consideration, as it tends to breed a spirit of discontent, especially in these depressed times, when people look to see what returns they get for every shilling they pay away. Any thoughtful, unbiassed mind, that knows anything about new colonies, will plainly see the absurdity of borrowing money to make two roads, although of different kinds, eo close together, especially when the great drawback to the settlement of the colony is the want of good roads ; and the adjacent country cannot keep one in repair without applying to Government for assistance. • A temperate, damp climate like New Zealand necessitates the making of hard roads, either railroads or metal, for opening up its resources, although too much care cannot be taken that each road shall open up as much new country as possible. —I am, &c., Economist. Aifredton, July 11, 1878.