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Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3485, 25 February 1880, Page 2

Sir George Grey, in. speaking of the probable consequences of the stoppage of the railway works, pointed oat that the contractors would be seriously injured by the adoption of so arbitrary and unjust a course by the Government. There is a great deal of truth in this remark. The two firms who have so well executed the contracts intrusted to them were at a heavy expense in providing their rolling stock—in the case of Messrs O'Brien and Co. especially. These. gentlemen in taking the contracts and incurring this large expenditure for an. efficient plant did so in the full belief that if the present contracts were completed fresh ones would be let, for which they would have a chance of competing, while if uasuccessful their plants could be advantageously disposed of, probably to the successful tenderers. The adhesion of the Government io its present course of action, or rather inaction, will of course upset these calculations. "On the score of economy, which those in power are eternally, harping on, the immediate letting of another section would be advantageous, as under present circumstances, with labor cheap, and everything necessary in the way of plant and material for tilling at hand, local contractors could at the present time well afford to take the next section at an unprecedently low price, and such as there would be no chance of getting the work done for, if there is any delay. We trust that this and other points that have been raised will be urged on the Government in a forcible manner, and hope that notwithstanding the ultrasensitiveness of the Hon. Mr Whit aker, be will yet see his way to getting this matter- attended to. As it is, no one gives the Attorney-General credit for the fine feeling he ;profe?ses, and the gratitude of the people of this district would be of a -more lasting value and pleasure to him than the nursing of a childish idea about a point of honor.