THE MAIN ROAD.

Grey River Argus, Volume XI, Issue 912, 29 June 1871, Page 2

THE MAIN ROAD.

[to the editor.] Sin— As a permanent resident of Westland I crave the indulgence of a small space in your valuable paper whilst I make a few remarks on the proposed road from Greymouth to Massden, in doing co, as a ratepayer I must offer my protest against its being taken up the Grey River to the Omotumotu Creek as a useless piece of expenditure. In the first place, the two miles up the Grey River, and seven miles from thence to Marsden, supposing it to be taken, direct across, will make the distance fully nine miles, and most probably far more, as there will be ranges to round. Now, from Greymouth to Marsden the distance is only about six or seven miles, and a good practicable level country to pass through, no engineering difficulties to overcome, in fact everything as favorable as could be wished. Now, if this route did not exist, there would be some reason for taking the roundabout, circumbendibus course up to the Omotumotu Creek and round the terraces till Marsden is reached. . Why is the main trunk line to be thus tortured aud twisted about to make two miles up the Grey 1 It would be far better and more to the interest of the residents of Greymouth if they voluntarily made this piece of road, and if they suffer the contemplated road to go up the Grey two miles before it turns off they, and they alone will suffer ; all the traffic and business will be diverted from the present township. Another township will arise, and property in the old one will be at a discount. This is why I say it would be better for the residents to make these two miles voluntarily, andfhave the direct road into the town of Greymouth. It would come into the very centre, and would do good instead of proving ruinous to all who have vested interests in Greymouth if it is taken round by the Omotumotu Creek. I impue no motive for attempting to do so, but public policy demands that this road should be made as cheap as possible, and direct, and whilst by so doing the majority will be benefited. I cannot understand what motive is at the bottom for acting contrary to this principle. Yours, &c, Resident.