PALMERSTON.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 44, 25 November 1871, Page 6

PALMERSTON.

(from our own correspondent.) November 18,1871. The weather this season has been unusually wet and stormy, and has much impeded agricultural operations. The late south-east gale was more or less felt in this locality ; but not so much as in older settled districts, where traces of it can be seen in the withering of the trees and destruction of crops A -very heavy flood has visited this district, the water being a foot higher than on any other occasion this year ; and the greatest known for many years past. On the tram-road between this and Ngawhakarau, nine feet of water was on the road. On Monday the mail man did not venture to Foxton, nor has he done so during the week, so that for a whole week we have been, as it were, shut out from the world; and have heard nothing of what has been going on in other parts of the province, excepting from outsiders, who dare to venture to travel the mile of water, on this socalied perilous road, by a canoe. This casualty, if it can be called so, forces upon us the fact that sooner or later our maid road for traffic, as well as the post road, will be through to Kangitikei from here; and no doubt this flood will be the means of causing the authorities to think seriously of making the promised road to Kangitikei through Palmerston. It is quite certain that that portion of the tram road now under water will be a bugbear for some time to come ; and I would suggest whether it would not be better and cheaper to raise that portion of the road some few feet higher now, than possibly when the tram is laid to have it washed away by the first flood, which will entail a far greater expense. I would respectfully suggest to the authorities the desirability, in a growing community like this, of having a biweekly mail, instead of a weekly one as at present. The cost would be comparatively trifling ; but the convenience afforded to the settlers would be incalculable. Several persons are on the look-out for the notice calling for tenders for the mail contract for 1872, and say they are prepared to tender for the service. Kumour says that we are to be visited by the Engineer-in-Chief, Mr Carruthers. I trust, if he does honor us with his presence, he will force on during the coming summer the necessary road works begun during the past year, so that we may never again have to trust to a few canoes plying on the river for our supplies. Ideally all a man has earned has been required during the past winter to obtain stores, and necessary clothing; and the “ good times’’ some have been induced to come here to share in, have not been so lucrative as at first pictured. Butthe drawbacks are now', I hope,done, and if vigorous action is taken by the public works authorities, such as our present emergencies require, the civil growls so freely indulged in by all will CGftSSj Locally* nothing has transpired of interest. The mill proprietors have unfortunately been heavy sufferers lately from their bullocks eating tutu. The new publican has, I hear, had his license suspended on account of not having sufficient accommodation; but he is rapidly pushing on with additions to make his house more commodious.