THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi.` WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1878.

Thames Star, Volume IX, Issue 3065, 11 December 1878, Page 2

THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi.` WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1878.

Most people are prepared to admit tbat the construction of a railway from this diatrict to Waikato will be the making of the place, and while all are rery sanguine on this point, it may be that many are apt to overlook the difficulties which the Gorernment hare to face. It is not native difficulties we now refer to, but the difficulties whicg may arise at every stage in the acquirement of the land along the line of railway which has been secured by individuals or societies. We need not go far for an example of the way in which societies can open their mouths. For the passage of the Water Eace through the Church Mission land at Parawai, the agent, Mr F. C. Dean, has made a demand for £5000. Of course this is preposterous, and will be submitted to an attenuating process of gradual but certain reduction. We have heard of equally extortionate claims which have been or are about to be lodged, but we feel sure that they will be very much reduced before they will receive consideration, and the proper disposal of these claims cannot very much affect the Water Race, as it is already made. Moreover, the authority under which it was carried outhad secured all rights long before some of those who are now seeking compensation had acquired any title to the soil.

It is not, however, with the Water ♦Race we hare now to deal. The time is approaching when the people of this district, through their representative*, will be called upon to say what shall be done in regard to the Thames and Waikato Railway. We start with the assumption that Ministers are entirely favorable to the scheme; that they are absolutely desirous of commencing the line from this end. First there must be surveys, and plans, and the route is laid out. If, at the outset, Ministers should be met with exorbitant demands for compensation from persons owning land through which the railway is to pass, is it likely that an early commencement of the line will be brought about? Should the claims for damage (save the mark) be on the scale of the Church Mission Society at Farawai for injury done by the Water Bape, is it reasonable that the Government can be expected to proceed with the railway? **Vese are matters which concern everyone nnnspsH,''**' 8D interest in the district. They appeal to aii <* U8 ' and P°s»ibly more strongly to those* happen to have a bit of property on the f^fo pf the proposed railway, and yet do not els6C& extravagant compensation. Individual or

personal gain, however, should not be allowed to divert the public mind. All that should be asked is that private rights be respected, but not to be allowed to interfere with the public good. Let us discourage anything like extortion where public works are concerned, but concede l;o everyone whatever damage he may have suffered, through infringement of his rights, for the public weal.

A certain sum has been appropriated for the railway. So far as the Native land is concerned we believe the Native Minister will be able to arrange that easily enough, but whatever way the Thames and "Waikato line may go, certain private lands will hare to be taken. Will owners go on the stand with the Church Mission Society, or will they hail the progress of public works as a positive good, increasing the value of their land, and thereby immediately benefiting themselves and distributing a genial halo of prosperity over their fellows? The real friends of progress will undoubtedly favor liberal dealings with the Government. The grasping land owners may succeed in embarrassing the members of the Government, and so postpone the starting of the railway, but if they succeed in doing so they will earn the lasting execration of the people. We hope, however, that the visit of Ministers will result in good to the district, and the arrangement of a defined programme for connection with Waikato, the obstructionists notwithstanding.