THE NGAKAWHAU RAILWAY: PROSPECTIVE ADVANTAGES TO BE DERIVED FROM IT.

Westport Times, Volume VIII, Issue 1144, 23 January 1874, Page 2

THE NGAKAWHAU RAILWAY: PROSPECTIVE ADVANTAGES TO BE DERIVED FROM IT.

(To the Editor of the Westport Times.) Sin, —In endeavouring to give a brief outline of the changes and improvements which must inevitably be brought about by the introduction of large public works in this district, viz., the railway frofri Westport to the Ngakawhau, and the construction of protective works on the banks of the Buller ; I merely conjecture wliat any person on this coast, (provided he lives long enough) may reasonably expect to witness during the next six or seven years. Though the prospect that greets the eye as one gazes from some higher elevation over the long low strip of marshy land through which the railway must run is anything but inviting, lying as it does, betwixt the bare rugged looking range of hills comprising part of Mount Rochforfc and the sea coast, and gradually narrovvingfromabout two miles in width near Westport, to about a quarter mile as it approaches the Ngakawhau, its proposed iimit and seat of the " Albion Coal Mine; " yet this drear scene is destined c're long to undergo an entire transformation, and its soil made capable of being utilised to any extent > "What beneficial results must accrue from this enterprising policy on the part of the Government. Wha< increased employment to the laboring classes of Westport, and what influx of population and capital to these shores ! Westport which has been for so long time in a state of stagnation, and worse ; subject only to calamity, her inhabitants struggling to exist in defiance of dull times and encroaching floods, may now confidently look forward with cheerful anticipation to the not far distant future, wheh the rapidly advancing prosperity ef the place shall compensate them to a great degree for the last few years of trial and misfortune. The land on either side of the railway will be opened up for occupation, and thousands of acres that now lie barren and unfruitful, can then be brought into immediate cultivation. Swamps rich with the decomposed vegetation of centuries, drained and fenced, and sombre forests, and matted jungle, scarce ever disturbed by the footstep of man, within whose gloomy recesses the owl or woodhen have hitherto found aqu iet and secure retreat, must shortly tremble beneath the woodman's axe ; while lofty pines that have stood in thirkly serried ranks, like sentinels for ages, must at last succumb to the ruthless persistent energy of man. What a different panorama will then slowly but surely unfold itself before our eyos Homesteads dotting the landscape in every direction, reminding many of.us of similar scenes in the old country, cattle browsing in many a flowery mead, whilst b >rne upon the summer breeze, the song of many a swain may be heard, busily engaged in reaping another harvest, secured to him by a bountiful Providence as full reward for his careful and untiring husbandry. While swiftly along the line the leading feature of all, rushes the " iron horse," the " pioneer of civilization,"awakening the woodlands with his scream, drawing . with triumph in his train the mineral wealth of Mount | Rochfort to deposit in the hold of many a collier, whose blackened hulls line the wharves of Westport. Westport must necessarily keep pace with these marks of progress, and her streets—or rather apology for streets—■ will be paved, gas lit. and filled with the noisy hum of productive labor. Futurist.