OUR RAILWAYS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2754, 8 March 1890, Page 2

OUR RAILWAYS.

TO THE EDITOR. '' Sir,—The admirable manner in -which our railways are managed is the theme of uni--1 versal comment. It is, perhaps, a mistake to speak of them as "our" railways; a mistake, however, which many misguided people are apt to make, as they fondly imagine that the railways, for which they have helped to pay, were constructed for j the public's convenience, and to promote | tho settlement of the waste lands of the colony. :It is not everyone who .could achieve such a glorious success as has been g.iined by our illustrious musters, the Kailway Corami-si«nerP, in their endeavour to displease averyhody. The country settler finds that he is almost prohibited from finding a market for his produce, while the m inufacturer is in the happy position ot: being confined to a local and limited trade, owing to the facilities (?) afforded him by the Department. Some people, who are of a discontented disposition, are not satisfied with this paternal discipline, and take steps to remove their industries toother countries. Others ungratefully growl, but in 'course of tirao we may become a poverty-stricken, yet contented, people, satisfied to he ruled by our Civil masters, and possibly brought to a grateful sense of what we owe them. The otbor day au AucklaHd business man remarked to the Writer that it was a curious fact that tho ■inly iii trict he could nut do business in was the W .ikato, which was alio the only dist'kt he could send his goods toby rail. The freights killed the trade. How the country districts are affected is well known. How much longeris such a deliberate breach of faith with the. people to be allowod ? It is enough tp try, the patience of ' J 08.