British Bellishe.Ica ] RAILWAYS (POSSIBLE EXPANSION) 67 tary lines, constructed or projected, will help to fill the main channel of trade. The native population is realizing the advantages of the comforts and con veniences of civilization, desiring them more and working for them , and thus increasing the labour power. The immigration of settlers is constantly introducing more capital and developing the country's resources. Agriculture and industries are progressing, not merely steadily but rapidly ; sisal plantations and flax areas promise a largely increasedoutput year by year ; soda will prove a valuable export ; cotton, coffee, cocoa , hides and skins , grain, pulse, copra , and rubber should all show greatly enhanced returns.

To these special considerations , which seem to favour a bold policy of railway expansion, others of a more general character may be added. In a new country a railway serves political and social, as well as commer cial , ends. It is a more effective instrument of pacification than military expeditions. In periods of partial drought or famine or economic distress it tends to stabilize the country and to maintain its own finan cial position ; it transports the necessities of life to famine districts ; and, not being wholly dependent on anysingle province or industry, is not unduly disturbed by local fluctuations. For the white settler it is a prime necessity; it brings himself and his stores , his live -stock and implements, to the farm he proposes to occupy, and it carries to market the products of his industry.

In East Africa railway extensionswould openup for settlement large districts , such as Nakuru to Mumias, Lumbwa to Ikoma, and Nairobi to Fort Hall , suitable for European occupation and development . It is true that new branch lines run out to such districts would increase the chances of congestion on the main line, and might raise the question of doubling the existing line or constructing an alternative railway to the coast.

Hitherto railway development has neglected the central and northern portions of the East Africa Protectorate, where the opportunities for agricultural. or mineral industries are not known to be favourable ; and