N&W in 1910--NRH&W RR

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Bluefield Daily Telegraph
September 30, 1910

BOUND TO BE A FACTOR IN LOCAL RAILROAD WORLD
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New River, Holston and Western Penetrates Rich Territory and Plans Extensions
    F. E. Bastian, general manager of the New River, Holston and Western Railroad, was in the city last night on a short business trip.  Mr. Bastian says his railroad is bound to become a factor in the local railroad world some of these days.  It is now twenty-seven miles long and reaches from Narrows, on the Norfolk and Western, to Rocky Gap.  The road has a right-of-way through Rocky Gap and this will be of immense advantage to it in the years to come.  In addition to this the Virginian Railway has had a corps of engineers at work at Narrows looking into the possibility of a bridge at that point which will connect the New River, Holston and Western with the Virginian, so that road may handle some of the freight the Norfolk and Western now takes care of.
    Mr. Bastian claims that his road has enough timber along the line at the present rate of cutting to last forty years, and every time the road pushes forward a little it strikes even better timber than it is now working.  There is also considerable iron and coal of a semi-bituminous nature along its route.  It is the plan of the company to eventually run the line to Saltville, Va., and from there to Mendota, Va., where connection can be had with the Southern Railway.  This will give the road ninety-six miles of track in addition to the sidings, etc.  Such a line if owned by the Virginian or the Norfolk and Western would give a very short route to the south, while it would be of almost equal advantage to the Southern Railway.  Three of four years ago the road could be brought for $160,000 but now times have changed and the road is not considered a burden.  It carries considerable freight and its passenger business is increasing.
    Mr. Bastian says his company has secured a plot of ground consisting of about ten acres at Rocky Gap on which a tan bark or extract plant will be located in the not far-away future, and other industries which will help to develop the part of Bland county through which the road runs will be encouraged.  The company plans in time to make its road a valuable connecting link.
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[In spite of the optimistic statements, the NRH&W never reached Saltville or Mendota.]
Gordon Hamilton
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