PAROA DISTRICT.

Grey River Argus, Volume XV, Issue 1851, 23 July 1874, Page 3

PAROA DISTRICT.

! » { [>ROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] j The sluicing claims along the South Beach on Watson's Lead are all in full working order, and paying as usual. •There ate a few beach-combers who, by watching the tides, find full occupation, and at times get very well repaid. This state of affairs is likely to last for many years, for though Watson's Lead, may be exhausted of its treasure there will be the Stoney Lead to work besides a run of gold that is known to exist between it &.nd the beach ; so that there is fear of the population decreasing from its prescent number which, though not large, is sonstantly occupied, and getting remunerated for its labor. Messrs Bourke and Co., one of the earliest pioneer waterface companies on the beach, are still to ibe found sluicing on Watson's Lead. Messrs Coltoh and Co.^ contemporaries of the former, have the adjoining claim. Then comes the Leviathan Water-race fcJompany some distance on. Messrs Dowling and Co. have their ground imijnediately behind Paroa, whilst the Gieat Extended Company are working on their 5-acre lease behind the Half-way Hotel. These comprise the large companies between the Cemetery and Paroa, though there are several others- owning water who work chiefly on the beach. | There has not been anything done as yet to rebuild the township of Paroa, as most of the unfortunate parties are waiting to know the result of the contemplated railway between Greymouth and Hokitika, for in case of so desirable a contingency coming to pass, the present situation of the township would probably have to be altered. The Road Board, after encountering many difficulties and obstacles, succeeded in getting a road made between Greymouth and Parea, and it is a pity to see it in such a dreadful condition. Whether it be the duty of the Road Board or the General Government to put the new portion in proper order, it certainly requires attending to ; one or other ought to take the matter in hand, for the longer it is deferred the worse it is getting, and the more money it will take in the long run. Attention also is required to the old portion of the road, which is being washed away. Whatever may be the cause of the water overflowing it ought to be remedied. The Road Board are the custodians of the public property, and if any damage takes place otherwise than through natural causes they are the proper parties to trace its origin. The road will yet be of great public utility, and must not be allowed to be entirely destroyed, which will be the case if there is not some immediate steps taken to put it in a proper state of repair.