NEW RIVER DISTRICT.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1392, 16 January 1873, Page 2

NEW RIVER DISTRICT.

(FROM. OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) January 14. Some considerable discussion has taken place during the week as to the advisability of repairing the present horse track from Marsden to Maori Creek, the general opinion being that whilst it must be done if it was widened some three feet it would permit drays to be used on it. The difference in the expense would be very small, for whilst it is estimated that it will take 17s 6d to LI per chain to put it in repair, yet to convert it into a dray track,' with turn-ofi?, would not exceed 303 per chain. There can be very little doubt which would be the most beneficial: Lowec freights and open up the country ; and whilst the County Council is bound to repair the present track, they ought certainly to convert it into a dray road when the difference in the cost would be so trifling. Besides, if money be hard to be found, they might perhaps offer part p money and the rest in land. But there j is nothing like ready cash for cheapness. Some time since the Government surveyed the township of Marsden, and the residents were hopeful that their pro- | perty would soon become freehold ; but, alas! they are doomed to live in hope. That happy time is still in the future when one can say, "I am monarch of all I survey." It is questionable policy of the Government to postpone the sale of townships like Marsden — they may wring a few extra business licenses out of the residents, and they may drive some away who might otherwise have become permanent Settlers in the" colony; The track from Maori Creek to German Gully wi}l bp finished in the course of a few days, and. this will cause the decadence of Clifton, which will ultimately be only noted as being the head-quarters of the police, and the place where the Warden's Court is held. This honor Clifton cannot be permitted to enjoy, for it must be transferred either to Maori Creek or Marsden. The latter place must have police protection, and a Warden's Court must be established there. In these days of economy it might be considered advisable to take into question how the various Wardens circuits might be divided, and whether by holding a Court at Marsden there would be any necessity for one being held at Maori Creek and the Greenstone. To continue a useful and efficient officer at Clifton is absurd, and whether he be removed to Maori Creek or to the more central position at Marsden, the authorities no doubt will take into consideration which would be the most beneficial to the public, and at the same time have a proper regard for economy. The tracks that have lately been make through the district have greatly changed everything —places that were a great distance apart formerly, and which could not be reached without a hard day's tramp, are now brought within two or three hours easy walking, so that the whole district is revolutionised, yet there is plenty of room for steps in the same direction.