AUSTRALIAN RAILWAYS.

Colonist, Volume IV, Issue 431, 10 December 1861, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN RAILWAYS.

For the last seven or eight years Government has been making-railways west, north, and south. As every body expected, these railways, have proved a very great convenience to all who live near them, and a very considerable benefit to such owners of land as cbanced to have property in - their vicinity. They have - afforded cheap and expeditious conveyance for produce, and fdr producers, and they have raised the. value of all land within reach of a railway station. They bays also enabled the farmers and dairymen, who live on these lands, to undersell those who have no railway cpnve} ranee to market.

If the recipients of these advantages had earned them by their own industry, or paid for them with their own money, no one could grudge them the possession of such improvements. But they have done nothing of the kind, and don't mean to do it. They contribute not one farthing more towards the construction of the railway than the people who have never seen one.

Prom the commencement of these expensive works, it was foretold that they would, not pay. But at that time our Governor was an ardent engineer, and a great philosopher. Engineering was his hobby, and philosophy hia handmaid. He had a scientific excuse for everything he did, or wanted to do, and he always had a respectable mob of influentials to encourage and support him. He allowed that a railway which does not pay the cost of construction might be considered a losing concern, when it was owned by a company. But he con-

tended that a Government railway could not be a losing concern, because it was made by the people, and. focthe people who had the use of it, which was far better for them than dividends. Of course nobody* not even the Governor, believed in this sort of reasoning, but a good many pretended to see wondrous wisdom in it. Some went so far indeed as to think that the greater the loss, the greater the benefit. Among these* some wanted places, some wanted contracts*!, and many wanted tenants or buyers for" lands which were worth nothing, or next to nothing, without a railway. The party* made up of these several classes, were very strong, very loud, very loquacious, and proportionately influential. ;

More than one tried to expose the fallacies by which the public were being duped* but it wa& of no use. For one reason: or another a railway was wanted, pay or not pay. It would pay its advocates, and that was all they cared about. If we except Professor Pell, no man of any note tried to enlighten the public. That gentleman did show, to all who were willing to see, that nothing could justify a person, a company* or a government, in making a single; mile/ of railway, any where, unless it would pay the current rate of interest on its cost price. But the Governor shut him up, by assuring him that there were English railways which paid no dividend to the owners, and which; were not regarded as losing concerns. It then became quite clear that, right or wrong, railways were to be. Ever since the party or parties have had all the say to> themselves, and they have said so much that it has become not only useless, but hazardous,, to oppose the extension of railways. Every man who has ventured to doubt the propriety of burdening the whole country with a debt for the Bake of a fewv has been subject to contempt, if not disgrace.

The worst of things, however, as well asv the best, must come to an end some time. Fortunate it will be for the future prosperity of this colony if the railway roguery or folly, which ever it be, now meets with some check. But we greatly fear that nobody is able to arrest it. Ministers, with more courage than prudence, have declared that it is now time to make some change in the railway policy of the last seven yearsIn other words they think railways have gone far enough. It may be safe for them to say so in Parliament, but there are places where they would stand a very good chance of being subject to Lynch law if they were but to hint at such an idea. As it is, they are sure to be pretty well castigated so far as words go. If they are not denounced as the vilest, the most worthless* the most detestable, and abominable men. on the face of the earth, we shall be very" much surprised. If the party that originated and conducted the cry for Government railways has got all it wanted, there may be peace in that quarter. But even so* another party will follow eqially clamorous* Greed and need are never without repre^ sentatives anywhere* and untiL there be. a* railway station to every house, farm, and squattage, there will always be parties more* or less strong, in favor of further extensions $ and no Government which resists theif claims will have their confidence.

It is now proved, beyond all dispute*' that railways have been a dreadful loss from the first. It is also equally well proved that the further they go, the greater the loss. These facts,, however, will in no> degree mitigate the cry for them. They are the very reasons why Government is required to make them. If railways would pay, Government would not be allowed to make or to hold them. Jf any portion of them ever becomes lucrative, somebody will be sure to want that portion out of the hands of the Government, into his own of; course.

We are 100 easily guljed. We will not give away our money to make any man rich, merely because he wants to be rich, and therefore nobody asks it for that purpose. But we have been trained fo believe that there are certain persons, objects, institutions, and projects, which it is our duty to encourage, reward, or cherish, and we often grant hundreds, thousands and even millions of pounds towards one or several of the various favorities which claim our assistance*.

People who know how willing we are to spend our money on these things take ad-vantage-of it to gain their ownjends. Instead of telling us that they want to get rich at pur expense they tell us they don't want to be rich at all. They would rather not. But they have a sincere desire, quite a passion indeed, to promote the best interests of their adopted country, or theicc.,native land, or they want to make tti&interiof., available for free selection, or to develop© our Colonial resources, or to assist the poor man, or to make this a grand nation, or to provide for posterity, or to encourage agriculture, or to raise a stalwart yeomanry; their 'Country's pride and stay,' or to make the wilderness to blossom like the rose, of to protect native iudustry, or to do anything, whatever which other people approve ofand to neglect nothing except.their own in terests. If ihe majority have any faith in, the men who humbug their hearers with such gross hypocricies. Government must goon making moreand more railways as long as they can find money* and when no more money can be found, what will follow?— lllaioatra Mercury. ■ ■•

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AUSTRALIA. {From the.Sydney Empire, November 23.) [By Electric Telegraph.] Burrangong.—Lambing Flat, Thursday, via Yass. Several letters received here by to-day's express from diggers at the Laohlan, state that the gold lead cannot be traced beyond about a mile. West Maitland.—Friday Evening. Flour is firm. Maize scarce. Weather showery. Melbourne.—Friday Evening. A good many country orders are arriving, which haa slightly improved business. A quiet rush is going on to the Lachlan. Californian advices state that Mexican affairs were getting worse and worse, and that life and propeity were very | unsafe. —— WEEKLY REGISTER. j A melancholy boat accident occurred off Bradley's Head on Saturday afternoon, by j which a Mr. Frederick John Little met his i death. The remains were buried with military j honors on Monday, the deceased having been a member of No. 4 Company of Volunteer Rifles. ! A presentation of drums and fifes, to the Newtown company of rifles, took place on Saturday. The presentation was made by Mr. Holt, M.L.A., in the name of the ladieß of Newtown. The news from the Lachlan gold-field has proved in every respect correct. Keports from there are most favorable, and indicate a large extent of auriferous country of great richness. An inquest has been held on the body of a mau named Barnet Cohen, who died from the effects of old age. The evidence went to show a most digraceful condition of the neighborhood where deceased lived. A sample of fine gold is reported to have been found in Queensland at the Peak Downs, near Mr. Flood's station. The discovery does sot seem to be regarded as of much importance. A shocking accident is reported to have taken place in the Western district, between Rylstone and Cunningham's Creek, where a loaded dray rolled over upon a man named William Moore. The unfortunate fellow died soon after he was extricated from the position. The tailors of Sydney are moving for protection. They held a meeting on Monday evening, when som3 new members joined their association. A gold escort from the Lachlan is to be established without delay. The annual meeting of the New South Wales Methodist Church Sustentation and Extension Society was held on Monday evening, in the Wesleyan Chapel, York-street. The proceedings were of a highly satisfactory character. The fifth annual meeting of the St. Paul's Auxiliary Church Society, was also held on Monday. About 200 persons were present. A rifle match came off at the St. Leonard's butts on Saturday, between.l 2 members of the Local Company and 12 members of No. 1 Company. The former won by 122 points against 92 of their opponents. On Monday three sailors, in a state of intoxication, were precipitated out of a boat into the water at the Circular Quay. Nothing serious resulted; on the contrary the bath seemed to have produced a great influence iv their favor— the symptoms of intoxication being greatly removed. The remains of no less than three human bodus were taken out of the harbor at different places on Tuesday. At last the cricketers of Sydney have begun to prepare for their reception of the AH England Eleven. The association met at Cunningliam's Hotel on Tuesday, but for the future will hold ttair meetings at Poelhman's in Georgestreef. Another meeting of Wesleyans was held, at Newtown, on Tuesday. Several addresses were delivered, and a collection towards defraying a debt incurred for lighting. The prizes for the Hunter's Hill Kegatta have been exhibited at the establishment of Messrs, Brush and M'Dounell, in George-street. They are very beautiful. The Exhibition catalogue has been published. It is highly creditable to all concerned in its compilation. A tea meeting in connection with the Botanyroad Independent Methodist Chapel, was held on Monday evcuing. A collection closed the proceedings. A murder in the neighborhood of Bathurst haa beeu reported in England, through a prisoner, formerly iv the 65th foot. The Wonga Wonga from Adelaide, reached Sydney on Tuesday, and brought English news in anticipation of the advices by the Salsette. She made the passage in three days sixteen hours. Further discoveries of gold have been made in Nova Scotia. A nugget worth £60 is reported to have been found. The Pitt street tramway is completed, and will probably be in use next week. We understand that another of these spasmodic attempts to complete St. Andrew's Cathedral which have been so characteristic of the progress of that structure is about to be made. It is even rumored that the windows will ere long be completed. The articles recently exhibited at the School of Arts are rapidly undergoing the process of packing. They will be forwarded to England on the first of December in the Vimeira. The Philosophical Sooiety held their usual monthly meeting on Wednesday. The Rev. W. B. Clarke read an interesting paper on 'Kecent geological discoveries in Australia, and on the correlations of Australian formations with those of Europe.' Hard Work for Intending Squatters.— The Pastoral Times says:— The discoveries made by Burke and Wills in their progress across the continent of Australia, open up a bright pastoral future for New South Wales. Country that has hitherto been regarded as the very outskirts of civilization and humanity, will, in a very short space ol time, be looked upon as very handy indeed to the sea-board. There is plenty of work cut out for hardy pioneers who have now the oncouragiug example of all successful squatters before them ; the example of th)se who afew years back underwent all the ha.dships which the first settlers of a new country must expect to endure, but with a more cheering prospect and a guarantee also of ultimate prosperity in lieu of misty uncertainty. Of a right the country opened by Burke and Wills belongs to the New South Wales territory, and it will now be for the Government to take advantage of the knowledge|we have all obtained to encourage prospecting in all directions right and left of Bike's track,

(From the Sydney Mail, November 23 ) Telegraphic News. Bathurst.— Monday, 5.51 p.m. A further j confirmation from the Lachlan diggings has I reached town. A nugget thirteen (13) pounds weight, reported from a deep shaft. The last shaft bottomed down the river, northwards, yielded six lbs. to two tubs. Lambing Flat.—Monday Morning. The csoort left with 3077 ozs. and £620. The news from the Lachlan, reaching here, still most favorable. Mitchell and party obtained a splendid specimen of gold and quartz, weighing upwards of 30 ozs. which was sold for £117. Melbourne.—Saturday, 8 p.m. The Prince of the Seas, ship, White Star line, was burnt at the Railway Pier, Sandridge.—Monday, 7 p.m. Market steady. 2000 bales of wool were sold at Goldsbrough's auction rooms, at firmer rates. Finer samples were not sold. Tuesday, 7 p.m. At the wool sales 3000 bales were offered, and 2000 sold, at former rates. The Asa Eldridge brings, from California, a full cargo of wheat, and some oats—Wednesday, 7 p.m. The Ministerial candidates have ad» dressed their constituencies. The Land Bill is promised immediately, with free selection after survey, at £1 per acre, in sections under square mile, with right of equal section abutting at same price, payable in eight (8) years at half-a-orown yearly per acre. The present occupation licenses to be acknowledged, and brought within the Act. Free Trade delared, but with bounties on native manufactures. A Royal commission promised on this subject.—Thursday, 7 p.m. The Escorts have brought 39,563 ozs. Adelaide.—Monday 6 p.m. Markets unchanged. Business of all kinds dull. Flour, best brands, £10 15s. Wheat, 4s 3d. per bushel.—Thursday, 6 p.m. Flour gradually receding in price. Present quotations from £9 10s. to £10 ss. Transactions in wheat very limited.