The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1868.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 176, 22 February 1868, Page 2

The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1868.

It is now more than twelvemonths «ince the idea of a tramway to connect Westport and Charleston was first mooted in this journal. At that time owing in the first place to the impecuaiosity of the Buller, and in the second he singular antagonism displayed by the Charlestouians the project fell hrough and lay for some time dormant. Mr Nees in the most spirited manner revived the scheme, and what is more obtained a grant of considerable track of ground conditionally on completing the work. For some time then even it appeared likely to lapse, and, though as a speculation it was clearly a most profitable investment, till cement crushing restored the somewhat falling fortunes of Charleston no steps were taken to carry out the work. Thanks, however, to the energy of Mr Nees it is not likely to f; 1 through now, for we may inform our readers three Australian contractors, with ample means at their disposal, have taken it up, and what is more purpose to carry it out on a far more extensive scale than was originally intended by the pioneer of the scheme. Not only that but the preliminaries are far more advanced than many would suppose ; and if those now at the head of affairs only proceeded with the same expedition that has characterised their undertakings in the other colonies, we shall be able to travel by rail to Charleston within a few months. It is intended to lay down iron rails the whole length, and the line will be worked with two locomotives similar to those in use on the Sandridge railway in Victoria. The route will will be through Waite's Pakihis', and it is intended to have two intermediate stations between "Westport and Charleston. The whole of the necessary plant is in the possession of the parties in question and has been used by them in executing similar works in Victoria, New South Wales, and Adelaide. The rails are those that are known as contractors' rails, about 40 lbs; are light, and easily laid, and abundance of timber can readily be procured for sleepers. The gradients, in order to reach the plateau of "Waite's, will be rather steep, and the speed is not calculated to exceed from twelve to fifteen miles per hour, but that i 3 amply fast enough for all requirements. The plans and survey have been prepared, and are now lying in the Commissioner's office for approval, and as soon as this is granted, work will, we understand, be immediately commenced. One of the partners is now in New Zealand for the purpose of ascertaining the amount of plant necessary, and for completing other requisite arrangements for the prosecution of the undertaking. To accomplish this will not, we imagine, take long, and the sooner the better all is concluded and ground is broken in right down good earnest. Thus

pparently whilst we have been shiverng on the brink, others have plunged boldly in and secured the prize, and by their enterprise will largely benefit themselves and the public along the whole line of route. Ab to the speculation yielding a handsome return, there cannot be a doubt; and the advantages of cheap travelling for goods, machinery, and passengers, will be sensibly and immediately felt by miners, storekeepers, merchants, and every other resident in and between the Buller and Charleston. Cement struck on Waite's has been proved to be equally auriferous as that at Charleston; but it is next to impossible at present to get adequate crushing plant up to where it is found. A dray track would no doubt suffice for this, but a railway will answer the | purpose far better, and can afford to take loading at a vastly less charge. In addition to other benefits that the line would confer, it is quite possible that it m<iy lead to the utilisation of the Charleston coal resources, and that mineral now alnvjst worthless, may be turned to some account by it • means. It is true that the coal as ye struck is not first-class, but better seams may possibly be reached, and ii any case, if coal of the present qualit/ can be supplied here at a cheap rate it will find customers. To dwell on the utility of such a work i< unnecessary, as it must be obvious to the most obtuse. All we can do is to wish it God-speed and hope that we may, as soon as possible, have the happy task of chronicling its completion. There is nothing whatever that can retard operations, and excepting procrastination on the part of the contractors, and of this there is little fear. Should, however, these gentlemen through any cause whatever delay or draw baek, it is to be hoped that the public of this town, of Waite's, and of Charleston, will vigorously unite in pushing it forward by means of a company. It is proved that a line can be taken at a moderate cost through the head of the goldworkings, and uniting this town and Charleston. The plant for the purpose is readily procurable, the profits of the profits of the venture are certain to be and we feel assured that were the scheme properly launched under the auspices of business men of good commercial standing, every share would readily and even eagerly be taken up. At present, however, the opportunity is not offered, and for expedition's sake, we hope it will not be. In the meanwhile let the present projectors remember that "he who gives quickly gives twice," and also, I that by at once commencing work, they will in a measure fix a large nomher of the mining population whose minds are now unsettled, and whose vision, in a great degree blinded to gold at their feet by the distant dazzle of that said to exist in miraculous quantity in tropical Queensland.