The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Resurrexi. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1884.

Thames Star, Volume XV, Issue 4899, 22 September 1884, Page 2

The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Resurrexi. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1884.

Thehe is at last a probability of one of the most desirable works, the carrying out of which we have assiduously advocated, receiving at least consideration at the hands of the Government of the day. The construction of the Thames-Te Aroha Railway, which the people of the district have so long been urging and fighting for, may be looked forward to now as one of those things to be dealt with—at any rate —in an inaugural manner during the present session. We have endeavored in the—as far as this question is concerned— melancholy past, to point out how, it is not unreasonably supposed, our claims have been ignored ; and why our desires and rational requests have been set aside in relation to this matter ; how interests of a somewhat personal nature have been, to a certain extent a factor in the opposition to it, and now that obstacles which we have—regretfully—had to so frequently refer to; have been removed, there is a ray of hope left regarding the line. The Colonial Treasurer in his Financial Statement announced that the carrying out of certain expensive and im» portanfc railways would be proposed by the Government, and in certain cases companies or syndicates would be enabled to undertake the works connected with them. This is all the Thames district has heen asking for all along, beyond the consideration of their right to grants of land similar to those made to other districts in the colony. We are glad to notice tbat

our member is not " resting on his oars " in connection with this matter, and is using every effort to bring the merits of i the Thames case fully before Parliament. The great difficulty—and it is one that a Treasurer does not care to face—of having to place a sum on the Estimates for the undertaking is done away with altogether; the trouble of getting the House to pass a money rote for the work is avoided, and should inclination on the part of the Ministry follow a deserving cause, we can, we feel assured, almost look upon our lineas fa? as the initiatory steps on its part are concerned as— un fait accompli. While the Government, which apparently betrays every inclination towards opening up the country, is in power, some local steps should be taken to strengthen the hands of the members for the districts benefitted by the construction of the line. We may almost calculate on having five representatives watching Thames interests in Wellington at the present time—three in the Legislative Chamber and two out of it, —and no time should be lost in using whatever material and talent we can avail ourselves of. The five consist of Messrs Fraser, Cftdman, and Morris, M.H.B.'s, and Messrs Brodie, and Sheeban, who eppear to be looking after us as far as outside influence, in Wellington—and that is by no means insignificant—is concerned. The Bail way Company should use every effort to push its claims while their justice is likely to be recognised. We hope to see some move made in the direction of strengthening the bands of those who seem intent on conserving our interests, and securing for us that share of good things which hns been in the past unfairly withheld from us.