THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. MONDAY, MARCH 24, 1879.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3150, 24 March 1879, Page 2

THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. MONDAY, MARCH 24, 1879.

We did not think the good people of theEaßfc Coast would long remain in a state of inaction when they saw the Thames and Waikato Eailway fairly commenced. We hear that there is a pro bability of an organisation being shortly formed at Tauranga and Katikati for the purpose of urging the construction of a branch line connecting these flourishing agricultural settlements with the Thames. The idea of a railway to the East Coast is by no means a new one, but up to the present no definite movement in that direction has been made. The present 6eems to a very favorable time lor those interested—especially the settlers of Katikati and Tauranga—making a more in the matter, as

our local experience of the time we have had to wait for our railway shows that long and persistent agitation is frequently the only means of crowning such an object with success. The advantages that would accrue to the Thames by the establishment of railroad communication with the places we have named are so apparent that they require but little more than passing comment here. First and foremost the line would be a valuable feeder to the Thames and Waikato H ail way, and besides would make the Thames the principal emporium of an immense stretch of agricultural country, second to none for the quality of the soil in N»w Zealand., The dairy produce of the Katikati settlers would find a ready sale in our markets, and a lucrative trade in agricultural produce would soon be inaugurated. Thare are also many minor advantages which do not require to be pointed out. We are informed on reliable authority that the physical features of the country which a line of railway between Ohinemuri and Katikati would traverse, would present but few engineering difficulties, while the distance between the two places is only some twenty-two miles. The portion of the route through the Hikurangi Gorge would be the most expensive section of the line, the remainder of the distance being over comparatively level country. When this line is constructed, as we have no doubt it will be, some day, it will be greatly used by tourists to the Hot Lakes, thereby avoiding the disagreeableness of the present sea route via Auckland and Tauranga. Here is what the Bay of Plenty Times says on the matter:—"The most interesting feature of the County Council meeting on Thursday was the short conversation that transpired relative to the propriety of making a railway instead of a road to Ohinemutu. We have no space to discuss the project at any length in this issue but may remark that the Thames and Tauranga railway is the railway, fpr which the district ought to agitate. There seems really some chance of getting that. The line would connect two important centres, and the Grahamstown people would be as much interested in it as ourselves. Alone, we are not likely to do much, but with the help of the Thames md its Council, we may work wonders. Mr Brodie, the Chairman, is a tower of strength in himself. Everything he takes up comes to something, and no minister was ever known to ' best' him. His assistance should be secured at once. The two Councils could then plan the campaign together. We shall have more to say about' these railways anon." We are certain the local bodies of the Thames would do all in their power, to forward such a desirable object as railroad communication with the East Coast.