CORRESPONDENCE.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume III, Issue 275, 26 May 1875, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

:o: Our columns are open for free discussion ; but we do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions of our Correspondents.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —I see tenders are called for stuff to put on our roads. I was riding through the mud the other day and thought what a fine time it was to put it on just now, as it looks like two hundred pounds for metal, and eighteen for carting. I think it would be better for us to plough through it as we did last- winter than to throw the money away at this time of year. It will be better to let it on interest until a more favourable season, as after a week’s carting in this weather it would take nearly all the bullocks in the bay to take a yard of metal to the place it is most required. I come to the conclusion that it is cheaper to have a tramway than attempt to make a road out of our small means, especially if it will cost fifteen thousand to make a good road. lam afraid that our young men will be old and feeble before we have good roads at that rate. Let us get the money that is promised and then borrow the remainder to form a train way which should not be very expensive as the line is already formed and no expensive bridges to build. It should not cost more than about £5OO per mile. One like that at the Thames would suit us. as it is not very expensive to work ; I think it takes 4 cwt of coal per day ; and a man and a boy work it. If we cannot get a tram to Ormond, I would suggest one from Higgins’ to Saunders,’with a goods store at each end. If the ratepayers were to form a company, and lay the tram and fix carriage rates to corer expenses, what a benefit it would be to all. I think sufficient money could be raised to complete the work. If something of the sort is not done it will be a long time before muddy roads are things of the past. Trusting the store keepers will not be too hard on an honest man, let them get a good store of goods for the winter, as six shillings per hundred to Ormond.makefe it very dear bread.—Yours &c., Settler.