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Grey River Argus, Volume IX, Issue 655, 31 March 1870, Page 2

It has been demonstrated in Westland (to say nothing of Canada and other Colonies), that the best, cheapest, and most efficient means of opening up a new and densely-wooded country, is by means of tramways. Tn the present semi-liberal mood of the Nelson Government, there is reason to believe that if any company were started which would construct a line of tramway from the Arnold to the Little Grey Junction, a very liberal bonus would be given. It is in contemplation to carry a main line of road for dray traffic in the direction indicated, and it is very probable that the Government would spend a portion of the money it would cost in subsidising the Tramway Company. This is no ephermal scheme. It would prove a substantial benefit to the district, to those who carry it out, and also to the town and district, because the opening up of the extreme upper Grey would be the throwing open to miners of an immense, and comparatively untried country, known to be full of auriferous reefn, and producing very heavy gold in shallow ground. But at present it is almost inaccessible. Those who have worked there are unanimous in their opinion of the country — that it will be an immense and rich gold field some day, containing a large population ; but the difficulties which now er.ist in the way of prospectors have prevented its being properly or profitably worked. Besides, the tramway would be a splendid investment, and if no company is formed to undertake the work, and claim the bonus which we are very confident would be granted by the Government, we would strongly advise Mr Warden Whitefoord to recommend the Government to call for tenders, to see on what terms such a line could be carried out, and take action accordingly. From enquiries we have made we are confident that the scheme is quite feasible, in an engineering point of view. The only physical impediment is the Ahaura River, which can be easily bridged, and we have the best authority for stating t.iat should a company take up the project, the Government could be induced to erect the bridge at once. It is to be hoped' that if the matter is not taken in hand privately, the Government will give the scheme consideration, and we hope it will receive the recommendation of the Warden and Mr Kynnersley.