Port Molyneux.

Clutha Leader, Volume I, Issue 20, 26 November 1874, Page 5

Port Molyneux.

(Prom our Own Correspondent.)

Among the many improvements that have taken place here for some time past, I think the most noted, especially in a sanitary point- of view, is that going on by Mr James Paterson, merchant. He has had for some time a number, ot hands employed in improving a fifty-acre section of swamp, lying alongside of the township, clearing off i the flax and scrub, and burning off all rotten and offensive matter which has been gathering for years, and enclosing it with a substantial fence, a broad and heavy band, a large ditch both inside ahd out, which not only dries the enclosed ground but also the surrounding

land. So great is the improvement already affected, that three or four weeks ago you could not go through it without going over the boots : now, although not half done, you may walk through.it with a pair of slippers without gett'ng weti Mr Paterson's enterprise cannot be too highly commended, and is an example which other owners of swamps might follow with advantage. I understand that Mr Balloeh, who owns the adjacent sections is about to improve his in the same manner. *

In your last week's paper I observed ah article commenting upon the timber and piles used in the jetty. I think the party who wrote the article should have made himself acquainted with all the particulars, and have examined the. specifications before giving a stab in the dark either at the contractors or the engineer, as from the tone of the article it is in a'bad spirit towards both engineer and contractor. I know for a fact that the timber and piles ordered from Glenomaru mills were to be of the best description, and all black pine, and for which they pay a large advance in price. The proprietor of the mill can prove the truth of this, if the writer of the article would take the trouble of paying him a visit. The contractors also will be happy to shew him some timber the same as he calls mero, which has been in the old jetty nearly twelve years, and is now as good as the first day it was put in it. So' good is it that both the engineer and contractor has felt warranted in again using the same kind of timber. They are certain that it will stand another twelve years. The writer of the article, perhaps either a disapppinted contractor or timber merchant, should bear in mind that " those who live in glass houses should not throw stones."

Now that the roads are getting good and the farmers have got all their spring work over, the Ahuriri settlers are hurrying down their grain and produce for shipment. Although the Ahuriri is a young and rising district the farmers there could teach many older districts a lesson in patience arid perseverance.