THE RIVERTON AND OTAUTAU RAILWAY.

Southland Times, Issue 1782, 19 August 1873, Page 2

THE RIVERTON AND OTAUTAU RAILWAY.

(to the editob of the times.) Sib, — I observe that the settlers on the Lime« stone Plnins have had a meeting on the subject of the contemplated Riverton and Otautau Bail* way. One speaker, Mr Quin, says it is impracticable, inasmuch as it necessitates the erection of " two expensive bridges." Mr Quin must hare received his information from some unreliable source, as I may inform him that it is not con» templated to have " two expensive bridges," but only one bridge. It will be admitted that Limestone Plains do not comprehend all the Western district, and it appears as though the settlers at the late meeting would have a railway lo their doors, and let thoso on the west side of the river pay for it. Allow me to point out that the Riverton and Otautau Railway is not only to benefit the settlers, but also to open the Longwood forest. Supposing that the railway goes up the east side of the river, how is it possible to get tha timber down to the river, and then up the rise, say about two miles, to the point whe^e the railway is proposed to be made by these Limestone men ? The change is impossible, as it is unreasonable to expect that the railway will be taken up the east side of the river, thereby shutting out the rich forest timber which is almost inexhaustible on its west side, especially when on the western side there is no danger of floods. One word of advice to the Limestone settlers. There is an old saying a " half loaf is better than no bread." Take the railway whore you can get it, as it is a very easy matter to have a branch to connect your district with it. Let the one projected be carried out, and Limestone Plain* can rely on the aid of the settlers on the west side. — I am, &c, As Old J.R. Sbttlkb.