CROMWELL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 265, 24 May 1867, Page 2

CROMWELL.

[FKOM OT/K OWN CORRESPONDENT.] The main trunk road from Dunedin through this Town to the Lakes' District is on the eve of being opened for general traffic. The formation of the passage along the Nevi3 Bluff has been a source of annoyance owing to the original Contractor having failed to carry out his engagement, but the work is at present so far advanced that drays can pass in comparative safety. A wall is in course of erection on the verge of the road to guard against accidents, the precipitous nature of the ground between the track and the Kawarau River being of a most formidable class. There are many danj gerou3 part 3 on the road between the Roaring \ Meg and the Bluff referred to, and Mr Greenlaw, the Road engineer should do his utmost towards having those parts improved. In dozens of places should the shafts of a dray or Bhandry deviate but a few inches from the mid die of the road, a capsize would ensue, and beyond all doubt fatal consequences would follow, as no man could possibly save himself in the rapid current of the Rock bound Kawarau. Mr Edward's punt, at the crossing near the Nevis Bluff is now in working order, but the approach es to it have not been finished by the government, and the road Engineer would act a wife part by pressing on the formation of the said approaches. On Friday last, Mr Smith of Dunedin crossed on the punt with a heavy loaded dray and three horses, which, I believe was the first loaded conveyance passed on towards the Lake Country. The Arrow Punt will be finished in a month hence at farthest, and then a free course from Dunedin through Clyde and Cromwell to Quecnstown will be opened- The residents of the Kawarau Gorge are determined to show an example in promoting charitable purposes by having gentlemen to deliver public lectures as often as possible. Last Tuesday evening a most enthusiastic meeting was held to make arrangements for the lirst Lecture fo r the benefit of the Dunstan Hospital. Mr Kichingham occupied the Chair, and in a very telling speech pointed out the object of the meeting. The meeting was addressed also by Messrs Fleming, Badger, Dnhig, Ashwortl, Staite, and others, and a Committee was formed to draw up a request to Mr Grumitt of Cromwell to deliver a lecture. Mr Grumitt has consented, and will deliver a Lecture on Dickens, and his writings, at the Sluicers Arms, on Saturday evening next. Professor Parker and Miss Annie Beaumont, have been delighting us at Cromwell, and the inhabitants of Gorgetown also, and the patronage bestowed upon them could not have failed to give them every rcasonable satisfaction. la mining mitten, the greatest activity exists throughout the district. Kelly, Edwards, Pen-;-, D.igg and party are at present constructing the largest water ram in the Province., it; head is in the district of the Lowborn, and its destination is to be the auriferous ground on the banks of the Kawarai", between Cromwell, and Oorgctuvn ; the race will convey five and forty heads of water, and named the Westmoreland Canal A greater undertaking than the Westmoreland is to be " risked " soon ; Mr Jr.o Perriam, Storekeeper, at the Low'ourn, and others, intend bringing to Cromwell a monstir water race from the Clutha, t'.c starting point, being at a spot, a sh.. t distance above Mr M.irsh's farm, whether there is sufficient fall cr n )t, I am not able to judge, but Mr Perriam is confident of success, and should bis confidence be not ill-found d, the ground in the immediate locality of the Municipal Town of Cromwell will bo made to yield a large amount of hidden wealth. Some fresh ground has been opened up about six miles above the Roaring Meg in the terraces breasting the Kawarau, Joblin and party arc the occupiers of the ground, and are highly pleased with their prospects. It cost them much time and money to bring water to the claim, but they are well rewarded, and the success of their perseverance no doubt will cause many more parties to bring water to the Bame locality.