The Evening Mail. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1877.

Oamaru Mail, Volume 358049, Issue 511, 19 December 1877, Page 2

The Evening Mail. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1877.

The Cliristchurch-Aniberiey line is to undergo a transformation from broad to narrow guage in one da\\ Seeing that the distance is 35 miles, were it not that Mr. Cos veil* hua charge of the task we would have deemed it impossible to accomplish it in so short a time. Had such a work been undertaken in Otago by Mr. Coxyekh, the fact that that gentleman had undertaken to do it would have been viewed as a guarantee that it would be done. Jsut lie was well known there, and appreciated for the ability with which he managed the railways of that Provincial District. Everybody knows that whib the Canterbury railways were not paying expenses, and their faulty management creating dissatisfaction throughout the length and breadth of that Provincial District, the Otago lines under tho management of Mr. Coxyeim were paying handsome returns, while he who brought about such a result was universally respected. The Canterbury people have already had evidences that Mr. Coxyeks is an adept in his profession ; but this, undertaking of altering the gauge of the ChristchurchAniberley lino in one clay somewhat surprises them, and is by many thought impossible. Our belief is, however, that it will be done, Mr. Coxtters has trustworthy officials under him; men who have not been hoisted into their positions because of political obligations. Over five hundred genuine navvies will be stationed along the line to be operated upon, and these, controlled in a sytematic manner, will, without doubt, accomplish the task that Mr. Conyeks has undertaken in order that inconvenience may not attend the alteration of the gauge of the line. This is one of the advantages of having practical men as the heads of our departments, and of making genuine ability the first consideration in appointing men to fill such important positions as that held by Mr. Conyers. When that gentleman left Otago genuine regret was felt, and the people of that district parted with him in the hope that when he had regulated the working of the Canterbury lines, he would return. We suspect thai the people of Canterbury will learn to appreciate him just as much, and would \ care as little to lose him.