The Sumner Railway Proposal.

On 4th November, 1856, a Bill was introduced in the Provincial Council providing for the contruction of a railway from Christchurch to Sumner, to be worked by horse-power, and, further, providing for the setting aside of a block of land, from the sale of which funds were to be provided for the construction of the railway. This bill was rejected.

In consequence of the conflicting views expressed, the Superintendent addressed a message to the Council on the subject of the Sumner road. After reviewing the matter from its commencement, he stated that the work had been undertaken in good faith, and what had so far been done entirely justified the reports of the Provincial Engineer that the remainder could be completed within the estimate; but, in the absence of any clear indication of the settled views of the Provincial Council, he must decline the responsibility of proceeding further with the work. He therefore requested the Council again to take the whole subject of communication into consideration with a view to reaching a final and complete settlement of the question.

It was then resolved that a further survey be made to see if any other route could be discovered suitable for a road, over which light cart traffic could be carried, pending the completion of the Sumner road. The survey was entrusted to Mr. W. B. Bray, who reported, under date 18th December, 1856, that after long and careful examination he had failed to find any line that he could recommend.

(To be continued.)