‘ ‘ Coalgate to Rakaia Gorge. —The line from Homebush to the Hororata cannot be recommended as part of the proposed Canterbury interior main line, which as a whole we altogether condemn ; but an ex tension of the White Cliffs branch to the Gorge of Rakaia will hereafter be desirable, with a view to its ultimate con tinuation to the Acheson coal fields, which are the most valuable yet found on the eastern side of the Middle Island. As re gards the alternative routes by way of the Wairiri Valley and Hororala Downs, the balance of advantages and disadvantages in each case is nearly equal. The Hororata route would serve the largest number of settlers, and would also be the cheaper to construct ; while that by the Wairi Valley is shorter and would open up some seams of brown coal of the same quality as that obtained at Glentunnel. We consider the latter to be the preferable route : but as we do not recommend the early construc tion of either line, and as the circum stances may materially change before a final decision upon this point will be required, we do not think it necessary to enter more fully into that part of the sub ject. “ Southbridge to Rahciia and Waterton. —We think it desirable that the work should not be undertaken.”

Inspection of Mines.
