THE GREYMOUTH AND MARSDEN ROAD.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1047, 4 December 1871, Page 2

THE GREYMOUTH AND MARSDEN ROAD.

|TO THE EDITOR.]

Sir — In reference to Mr Moore's amendment in the Borough Council last night — '•' That in order to arrive at a fair and reasonable decision on this question (the direct vemis the Omotumotu route), it is advisable that the opinion of the rateP'yers be taken by ballot." Now, it must be borne in mind that there are others interested in this question besides the ratepayers off Greymouth, and why should they bo overlooked ? In fact, they are the most interested in this question, for it affects them in a pecuniary sense. Why should the goods that are consumed by the miners rotihd Marsden be taken four miles extra, and that, too, over a country that will require also extra horsepower, on account of the steepness of the gradients. To construct the road via Omotumotu is virtually enhancing the price of produce to. the miner, and to do so will only be the means of making the population still less. The earnings of the miners are gradually growing less, and provisions must come down in price if men are to live in the district. If, then, the miners are so interested in this question, why should they be overlooked? Their vote ought to weigh as much, if not a little more, than those who do not so thoroughly understand it. They have already spoken out, and shown by the petition sent in that they want the direct route and cheap provisions. So sure as the Omotumotu route i 3 chosen, the merchants in Greyraouth will deeply repent it ; and whilst they may now be indifferent as to the fate of the population in the district, they must bear in mind that Hokitika will soon be in a position to compete for that which Greymouth so little values. Referring to your article in Friday's issue, you say, " [t must be borne in mind that in comparing the cost of the two routes, the amount pf cqmpensation to be paid to the two tramway companies in the event of the Tainui-street line being adopted, must be taken into consideration and added to the cost." I was not aware before thab compensation would not also have to be paid even if the road be made via Omotumotu. All the goods traffic by (he tram will then be taken by j drays ; will not then the Tram Companies j be equally entitled to compensation ? I j fancy they will ; and until that is settled, I do not think it, fair to saddle the question of compensation alone on the direct route. Both, I submit, are equally liable. Whichever way the road is made, compensation will have to be paid, for tlie I tramways then will be useless. I do think, however, that the expense of keeping the Omotumotu line in repair for the next few years ought not to be lost sight of, ov a good deal of Government money may be thrown away. Yours, &0., i Resident. ■ Marsden, I)ecQUJber'2, '