RAILWAY MISMANAGEMENT.

Waikato Times, Volume V, Issue 265, 22 January 1874, Page 5 (Supplement)

RAILWAY MISMANAGEMENT.

The following letter appealed in the Auckland JSc/ioofthe 2isl inst. :—: — Sir,— The question is frequently asked why it is that the province of Auckland in real progress is so far behind Dunedin and Chiistchurch, and to what can be tiaced the inertness that invariably characterises our opeiations. Take, for example, our railways. In Dunedin lately Mr. Macandrew, the Superintendent, turned the fnst sod of a line of railway to Clutha, and on the occasion announced that he confidently expected it would be open for traffic in March — an undertaking to be completed in less than three months that in Auckland would have extended over the same number of yeais. In marked contrast to this promptness compare the state of matters here. The line from Penrose to Drury has been finished over three months, and yet no action taken to open the line for traffic. Not only is there a studied disregard of the interests of the settlers in this delay, but a positive loss and injury is sustained by the province every day that the line is allowed to remain idle. Ido not know whether the blame lies with Mr. Stewait, but I do think that satisfactory terms might be effected with Messrs. Brogden if a liberal and fair spirit was evinced towards them. One thing is certain, that with our fine climate, rich soil, mineral wealth and splendid haibour all we want is lailway facilities to make the province of Auckland second to none in the Southern hemisphere. I am sadly afraid under present control the " wish is father to the thought." As far as I can see blundering and mistaken economy seem to be characteristic of the present management, as the work latterly done between Auckland and Onehunga has apparently consisted of lectifying errois of judgment in the laying of sidelings and erecting of platfoims. I am, &c, Robert Graham.