The Dunstan Times.

Dunstan Times, Issue 915, 31 October 1879, Page 2

The Dunstan Times.

Beneath the rule of men entirely just th pen is mightier than the sword.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1879

In the history of the settlement of some of the up country districts, and especially on the gold fields, what may be termed the “galvanized iron age” has occupied, a not unimportant position. But no doubt as in other matters so in this, the temporary and the flimsey will be succeeded by the substantial and the ornamental. Tin settlements will become matters of memory and history to the oldest inhabitants. At the first, building of houses and townships, whatever material came cheapest ami handies' was naturally enough made use of. But when a country has good building materials they will, no doubt, as time goes on and the country becomes opened up and settled, he used for building purposes. Timber and stone buildings will after a time replace the habitations which have served their turn in a new settlement. We revert to this matter in consequence of the public meeting held at Alexandra last Saturday evening for the purpose of agitating for the opening up of a passable track to the waikia bush, about 24 miles from the township of Alexandra, over the shoulder of the “old man” range. In ihis bush we are informed on good authority there is a vase supply of timber suitable for almost every work where timber is used. At p;e>ent the use of timber in these localities is almost precluded on account of its expense, owing to the distance it has to be brought. Now, were this track opened up, it would not only be the means of opening up an internal source of trade, but would confer a benefit on the whole population around for miles, timber comparatively cheap and of good quality would then be available and easily got for the many purposes in building, farming, digging <tc , that exist in such a district. There are houses to be built, fences to be put up, props and slabs for timbering underground works in mining, and bridges of all sorts and sizes, to be built and kept in repair, and no doubt a large quantity of timber will be needed for the new Railway, that is to pass through the district—such as sleepers, for building stations, and residences, &c. If, then timber could be got in the district for such purI poses, would not the Government be justified, and almost in duty bound to help to develops such a resourse. Not only would it supply the material, but it would also stimulate and increase the trades of building, carpentering, and such like. We believe the late Provincial Government looked at it in this way and wore led to place a sum of £2OOO on their estimates for the con-

s true lion of this track, ami wo sincerely hope our present rulers will see iheir

way to carry out that which their predecessors so wisely resolved to do. At the meeting previously referred to it was decided memorialise the Government to place such a sum on the Estimates as will meet the case, and a Committee was formed to obtain signatures. Our own idea was that the Counties should have been the medium through which the Government was approached ; but while bearing in mind the fact that a previous Government had so far recognised the necessity for the road as to place a sum on the Estimates, but vvhieh was allowed to lapse, and that the present agitation is but to have this vote reinstated, we admit that it is the best to go straight to head-quarters. The question being one not merely of local but of general interest should commend itself to all, and if it is billowed with zeal and right good earnestness we have no fear of the result. No one knows better the good results that would accrue to the whole ot the district if a passable road was opened to the Waikia Bush from the Valley of the Mauuherikia than does our member, oir Vincent Pyke, and in his hands at tills particular juncture we think it will be safe.