A NEW RAILWAY SCHEME.

Westport Times, Volume VII, Issue 1072, 16 May 1873, Page 3

A NEW RAILWAY SCHEME.

(To the Editor of Vac Westport Times.) " The success, although particular, shall giro a scantling of good or bad unto the general." Sir.—lt is impossible to estimate the amount of substantial benefit that would result from the carrying out of the enterprise which has been so freely talked of during the past week or twOj viz., the extension of the proposed Ngakawhau and Westport railway to the Mohikinui on the north, and to Ross on the south, taking in its course, all the sea board hives of intelligence, industry, aud wealth. It is to be expected that some will always be found to look with apprehension on the bold schemes genius conceives, and applies itself to realise, and the present project, will, no doubt, call forth a howl of alarm from those who are booted and spurred to cry before they are hurt. The idea of a railway along the Coast line from Mohikinui to lioss is certainly one of the best things of the kind yet brought before the public. The promoters expect opposition, but in order to reduce consequent friction to a minimum, they have placed in the bauds of contractors large orders for soft soap. The quiet way in which practical men talk of and wink at the subject, augurs, well, apart from any other considerations.

The long continuing and present unfortunate condition of the entrances of the Hokitika and Grey rivers, has, as a matter of course, led many to ruminate on the advantages that these southern parts would enjoy if a communication could be kept up with the outer world through a port like AVestport, which is now demonstrated to be the only one available on the West Coast in all weathers, and at all seasons.

It is gratifying to be able to hope that the leading coal companies are likely to ask the co-operation of the " Walkers" in carrying out the scheme, so that it may be patent that this is none of these narrow guage railways, projected merely for personal aggrandisement, but one to be promoted and encouraged on truly liberal and patriotic principles. The monetary gain of such an harmonious combination will at once be seen and appreciated by the speculating public, while the galaxy of talent to be noted in the directory will inspire an amount of confidence seldom realised in any management.

Any one who knows the character of the country through which tho proposed line is designed to pass will at once look to the near future for the achievement of a great success. Those interesting themselves in other and more popular schemes, need not be taken by surprise if after this notice the projected enterprise should turn out one of the most successful ventures ever launched in the southern hemisphere. Keeping out of sight the rich botanical treasures that will meet the shoals of enthusiastic travellers at every curve, suppressing at the same time any allusion to the unheard of coal deposits of early and late formation, of rare quality, which extend the entire length of the railway and a great ideal farther, and holding in reserve the vast auriferous deposits, tons of which have already been, and may continue to be exported for an indefinite period to the great benefit of the Customs revenue, there is still to be found along the track, enough of ozone to invigorate the vast multitudes of invalids that may bo expected to flock in from all parts of tho world, and to secure a fortune for tho shareholders and their heirs for ever.— Tours &c. Caleb.