RAILWAY TO CHARLESTON.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 295, 11 July 1868, Page 3

RAILWAY TO CHARLESTON.

It is surprising that, as yet, nothing has been done in attempting to float a reasonable railway scheme that has virtually not only received the approval of the Provincial Council, but has a virtual promise of pecuniary assistance in the shape of a cash bonus to the extent of 25 per cent of the whole cost. Our readers will doubtlessly remember that one of the last acts of the Council prior to its late prorogation was to pass a resolution, that on the next session they would recommend the Superintendent to place a sum of £SOOO on the estimates, to be given as a bonus to any one constructing an iron tramway between here and Charleston, via Addison's Plat. Though the Council may possibly not sit again till March next or thereabouts, the grant has in fact been made, for the Council have by a large majority pledged themselves to recommend the bonus being given, and, as all know, such a suggestion coming in that form is not at all likely to be -disregarded. The faith of the Council is pledged to the vote, and as it is highly improbable that the existing Council will be dissolved and a new one chosen, the members, on the contract being performed on the otherside, in the construction of such a railway, whether by private persons or a public company, have noaltecna; ivebntto keep the promise thus openly made. Assuming therefore that this is the case, a quarter of the capital necessary is actually made a present of to the promoters, and under such cir--cumstances, surely there should be no difficulty in obtaining the balance. In floating such a project as this there is everything in its favor. There is no need build up wild chimeras of wealth that are not likely to be realised, there is no costly delay nor trouble, there is a trade already, and not to be created, and a highly lucrative one too that is, as it were going begging. The formation of such a 'line could not be otherwise than most profitable to those who invest in the speculation, whilst the advantages that the population derive, both at the three centres of population and along the whole line are obvious to the dullest brain. The business men, both at Addison's and Charleston, could get their goods at infinitely less cost with safety and certainty, at all times by the agency of a line of the kind, machinery of all kinds could be easily transported where required, and consequent on reduced carriage storekeepers could afford to sell the necessaries, or the luxuries of life at infinitely less money. The passenger traflic would be equally profitable to a company and convenient to the public, and communication once facilitated, by this means all petty jealousies would quickly subside. It is scarcely necessary to dilate at length on what must commend itself to ever}' one who would reflect for a minute; but the question comes —is there any possibility of such a company being formed, and who will take the initiative. We feel convinced that if the scheme is once fairly launched by a few influential men in the three districts it will be most favorably received, and if the calls were so timed as to allow of payments being made as gradually as possible there are numbers who would readily take shares to the utmost extent of their means. Not only in the three places chiefly interested, but iu Nelson, and we believe in Hokitika,the scrip would be sought for, and the first difficulty of setting the

speculation before, the public in a proper form over, there would be no hitch or stoppage to its successful I issue. But there's the rub—who is to bell the cat —who will take upon himself or themselves the trouble and responsibility of breathing life into the enterprise ? It is very plain who should take the lead, viz., those who have the [largest interests at stake, who have most to gain from brisk trade and the development ot the district. If these hang back and poorer but more spirited men take the matter up it affects its success in a double way, people on the spot decline to go in with adventurers, and people at a distance think with reason that if the leading firms in a place do not exert themselves in such a matter, there must be something rotten at the core of the scheme, that they are unable to discern at a distance. Thus both classes stand aloof, and thanks to the inertness of heavy and slow respectibility, the district's progress is retarded to suit their own lumbering ideas. Now for their own sakes, and on account of the welfare of the whole population, let us hope in this instance some of those at present suffering from suspended animation may show signs of returning vitality. A railway can be constructed for £20,000, the Government offer to give £SOOO of it as a free gift, and only three quarters of the capital, has actually to be subscribed. This could be arranged as to extend payment over several months, and as we have before said if it was done, shares would run off freely and rapidly. One or two really active promoters, a meeting of a few earnest business men, an advertisement, and a prospectus, are all the requirements to give reality to what is at present an idea. The Council have done all that could be expected of them in the matter, if the public are too apathetic to avail themselves of the liberal offer now before them, they have themselves only to blame for any loss that they sustain through want of energy and public spirit.