UPPER MOTUEKA ROADS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 24, 28 January 1878, Page 2

UPPER MOTUEKA ROADS.

To tub .Editor ov the 'Evening Mail.' Sir— l see that Mr If. Sharp writes to the Colonist taking exception to my recentlypublished description of the new road over Spooner's Range, and characterising my statements as " outrageously wide of the mark," especially with regard to the absence of crossing places. Of these he tells us there are over fifty in the six miles. I can only say that my companions and I failed to notice them although keeping a good look out, for we were in dread the whole time of meeting some vehicle, and it would have added much to the enjoyment of our drive if we had seen occasional places where two conveyances might pass one another in safety. Mr Sharp attaches little importance to the fact I mentioned that the drivers of two drays which we met on our return had not ventured to take the new road, because they had heard that we were likely to be coming back that way. I think, however, that it was very significant that the mere probability of their meeting a buggy should be sufficient to deter them from using the new road, and to induce them to prefer the old line, which necessitated their travelling orer the rough track through Norris' Gully. I think I may fairly claim this as, at all events, circumstantial evidence in favor of the correctness of my statements. I was much amused by the little picture of our drive, with which Mr Sharp concludes his letter — the " splendid driver," "the killing pace," and the comparison between our two livery - stable steeds and the iron horse. I feel sure that our driver will be much flattered when lie finds that the term " splendid " has been applied to him in that capacity, and I am afraid I must ask Mr Sharp to modify his statement with regard to the " killing pace " at which we travelled, seeing that an hour aud ten minutes were occupied in covering the six miles. I should like to know where he obtained his information, as— fortunately for us— we met no one who could have imparted it to him until we had nearly reached the foot of the hill, where a party of road men were at work. One word in conclusion. I had no intention whatever of "jeering" at the Upper Motueka Road Board, to whom aud their overseer very great credit is due for the manner in which this line is laid out. I am quite sure that the small sum of money to which they were limited was expended to the greatest possible advantage, and I only regret that more funds had not been placed at the disposal of those who evidently know so well how to turn them to account. I am, &c, F.