FUTURE OF THE AUSTRALIAS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 396, 4 June 1881, Page 3

FUTURE OF THE AUSTRALIAS.

In a concluding article summarising ihe details given in previous papers on the progress and financial status of .New Zealand, New South Wales, VicSouth Australia and Quenaland, the' Economist of the 27th February observes; all, however, New South Wales stands out pre-eminently as the one offering the greatest attractions to emigrants from this country. Free trade is nourished, taxation is low, the supply of fairly fertile land is practically boundless, its herds are by far the most numerous in the entire group, and with moderately enlightened guidance we may with certainty anticipate the most rapid development.’ There -is no need to pen heroics respecting the future of all the

Australian ; their future will be great, if (heir impatience to stimulate growth with artificial means can only be reasonably restrained.” The closing reference is to the railway policy of the Colonies. After quoting a series of figures showing the trade of the several Colonies as applicable for railway traffic, the Economist says that the figures “speak most eloquently in justification of New South Wales, South Australian, Victorian, and even Tasmanian railways in operation, iu 1879. Of course long lengths of single line cannot be worked very cheaply. Nevertheless any requirements in reason for railway purpose which New South Wales or Victoria may seek from us we. shall be entirely justified in responding to. But South Australia and Queensland have latterly committed themselves very largely to railway extension, and their position in the scale will probably be very unfavorably influenced thereby. The short sections as yet opened in West Australia are scarcely available for any effii cient comparison, New Zealand and Queensland have unmistakably been going too fast.” The writer thinks South Australia should be cautioned, and New Zealand must, for the sake alike of their solvency and English investors,, to be told firmly to wait. They have overtaxed their strength, and a period of careful nursing was the one efficient remedy.'