BLACKS.

Dunstan Times, Issue 938, 9 April 1880, Page 3

BLACKS.

The principle, and I think what will be •considered a highly satisfactory, piece of information that 1 have for you on this ■occasion is that the bridge across the Manuherikia is so far finished that wheel traffic can and %5,v% crossed. The first parties that hud the honour of crossing were Mr J. Pilches, member for Manuherikia District in the County Council, and Mr C. F. Johnson, agent of the Colonial Bank here. Several others have since crossed, your humble servant amongst the number, and I am pleased to be aide to say that the contractors have turned out a good job, creditable alike to themselves and to the Engineer of works. It is grandly situate, some twenty feet above the highest flood level yet known, therefore, there is but little probability of it falling a victim to the element that within the past year or two has levelled so many structures. While on the topic of bridges, the difficulty between two (Maniototoand Vincent) Counties, regarding the site of a bridge over the Lauder Creek on the boundary of the two Counties is got over, the Respective Chairman and Engineers met on the ground on Wednesday last, and they ultimately settled the question on the basis that the costs of road works approaches, together with the cost of bridge is to be liquidated by the two Counties, each paying the half, and the site known as the upper or No. 2 site was agreed to.

In my last and 1 think in some other previous letters, 1 referred at great length to the crops, quantity and quality, and ventured on the opinion that if they were to bo equalled they were not to be excelled in any' part of the Colony. lam informed by Mi Jones, flour miller, that my assertions have been borne out by actual results, and that not alone is the yield answering all expectations, but the quality is everything that is to be desired. This should be gratifying news to those interested, and cause them to increase the quantity of ground put in wheat for next yoar. I notice already that a fe\t lields have been ploughed reaily for sowing next year’s wheat. Considering that it is only some three or four weeks since the crop was actually on the ground, and that now it is not only off, but a good deal is thrashed into flour and by this time eaten, I think this will be allowed to be sharp work for the eyes. I have heard it rumoured, but I will not say with what amount of truth, that Dr. Sled»an is talking about giving up charge of the district in consequence of there being no house for him. This is a thing that under no circumstances must be allowed to happen. 1 give the warning so that those interested should make inquiries, and if there really is any foundation for the rumour for them then to act. We are to have a grand entertainment here on Thursday evening, but as there is no possibility of geting in a report in time for this issue, 1 will however sed to it, that you are in receipt of it early next week, I may anticipate so far as to Say lhat their is sure to he au overflow! ig house. As to the returns [ shall put that down at £2J.