THE COUNTRY.

Evening Star, Issue 3178, 28 April 1873, Page 2

THE COUNTRY.

Arrowtown. —A petition, with 330 signatures, was forwarded by this day’s (23rd) post to the .Superintendent, praying that proceedings may be stayed in reference to the bridge at Frankton Falls, and also that steps may be taken towards the erection of a bridge in the vicinity of Morven Ferry. It is certain that, if a bridge be made at the Falls and a road from the punt to it, the traffic of the trunk road will be diverted from the present lines (which run through the best of agricultural land) to a sterile mountain side, and cause great depreciation in the value of property, The farmers on this side of the Kawarau sell a great deal of produce to the waggoner*, and would lose this part of their trade. In fact, almost the whole population would be injuriously affected. The proposed new route would only be to the advantage of a few interested parties in this district, and any benefits which might be conferred on adjoining districts in Southland, or those of Cromwell and Clyde,

would be purchased dearly by the Province, both in heavy money outlay upon new roads, aild by inflicting severe loss upon an industrious and hitherto thriving community. The strongest efforts will he made to avert the threatened mischief. The case is very fully stated in the petition, and the Government will no doubt give the matter careful consideration before taking any further action. —The weather continues fine, and, from the absence of floods, the riverworkers hare a good chance. On the Shotover the river bed is yielding a great deal of gold, and workings are being actively pushed forward, many of the parties working both day and night shifts.