SALTWATER AND NEW RIVER DISTRICT.

Grey River Argus, Volume VI, Issue 376, 11 June 1868, Page 3

SALTWATER AND NEW RIVER DISTRICT.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) BUTHERGLEN, JuilO 10. The formation of a trunk road through this district is of such vital importance to its future prosperity that I have considered it necessary to refer to this subject again, aa I promised in a former communication. Before, however, proceeding with it, the Road Board must thoroughly understand that there is no intention t» cast any reflections on them as to their sincere desire to do their best for the benefit of the public; but on the contrary, that the remarks that may be made should assist them materially in coming to a conclusion and determining the best course they ought to adopt in laying down a trunk road into the interior. Before entering on the subject, it would be as well first to settle the important question as to what point inland it is necessary and desirable to carry the road, for when that is once fixed it will help considerably to determine the route. All parties agree that it ought to be taken in the direction of Lake Brunner, somewhere jiear its southern boundary. Now, if that be approved of there will not be much difficulty in at once coining to the conclusion that it should embrace the Greenstone Diggings. Here is an auriferous country which belongs to our district, from which we are entirely alienated, and although it is only eight miles direct from Rutherglen to the top of the Greenstone, there are no commercial interests between the business people there and those in Greymouth, from the simple fact there is no road to connect the two places. In fact, Greenstone might belong to some portion of the Moon, for the advantage it }s to this part. Here are some two hundred men profitably employed ; a country known to be highly auriferous, and capable of maintaining and amply remunerating & much larger population for the next generation which is now completely locked up. This state of things can no longer be allowed to exist. Every man in the Grey District is interested in the development of its resources, and this part of the country must not be allowed longer to remain isolated. A road must be made to it, and that without delay. By reference to the chart, published by the Government, a main trunk road could be taken from Rutherglen to or near Card's lowest store, from thence passing through the Greenstone on to Lake Town, and continuing, until it intersects the road from Christchurch to Hokitka. Here, then, is a basis for a main trunk line that deserves the consideration of the Road Board. It is the general opinion, expressed on all sides, that this course should be adopted, for if such be the case a good horse track could easily be formed and porduroyed that would not cost more than ,£3OO, and which would enable goods to be packed from Greymouth at £12 per ton, or at about »ne-half of the price charged at' present. Look at the business it would open up ; look at the prosperity that would naturally follow ; and if the road is only continued on until it intersects the Christchurch road, look at the traffic it will bring into the Grey district ; and last, though not least, look at the auriferous country it would be the means of opening up.