ORMOND.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1129, 24 August 1882, Page 2

ORMOND.

(FROM Ol'R OWN CORRESPONDENT.) The question of the day here is the continued encroachment of the Big River on the township and neighborhooiL Much talk daily occurs on the subject, but talk in itself will do nothing unless strenuous and practical steps are promptly taken to have this mighty river confined to its original course. For years past land on this side of the River has been disappearing wholesale; acres upon acres of valuable property have been swept away, and now the increased loss likely to be sustained before the lapse of many months will be difficult to assess. Suffice it to say, for the present, that it will be serious, as the properties now in turn to be put under contribution to the insatiable appetite of the devouring monster close to our doors are, without doubt, of far greater value than any yet carried away. Owners of property in the vicinity have suffered great loss by the repeated attacks made by the River on their lands ; but, doubtless, trusting vainly to the efforts they hoped sooner or later to see put forth by our local legislators, they did not combine, as they ought to have done, to <lo something to remedy the evil. It was thought when that august body, the County Council, had the fact before them that the main road, formed and being formed at considerable expense to the ratepayers, was in jeopardy, immediate steps would be taken by them to protect the interests of their constituents ; but no, although some chains of the main road at this side of Kaiteratahi hill is in danger of being demolished by the next fresh, and the river is now within a few paces of the road, in the centre of the Ormond township, indifference to the u’ants of the inhabitants appears to be about all the said inhabitants arc likely to receive from a local body, the members of which were returned to do their best in the interests of the ratepayers at large. If this Ormond grievance is not a fit subject for redress at the hands of the authorities, it would be difficult to point out one that is, and the sooner the matter is taken up—with determination—the better. By way of suggestion, the formation of a breastwork for a few chains, the expence of which would not be (and even if the cost were a little heavy what would it signify in comparison with the benefit) would have the effect of i restraining the river from doing incalculable damage to the most valuable properties in the Ormond district. Judging however, from the bitter experience of the past in these matters, it is to be feared that the apathy of those in duty bound to attend to the requirements of the settlers and adopt means for the alleviation of grievances, will continue to be exhibited, until our now flourishing little township will merge into a place that ■was, unless the matter is promptly and earnestly taken up by those affected by the position and not allowed to drop until the desired object is gained.

The Government Valley opened up some little time since for selection by deferred payment settlers, now presents a very different aspect to what it did before. A feeling of agreeable surprise must pervade anyone, who, lieing previously acquainted with the locality, would now take a trip up the Valley. Instead of thu waste of swamp and bush which formerly met the eye, he will find the place partially cleared and fenced, with home steads erected on the various sections, having regard to the peculiar position of the sections (being in nearly all cases adjacent to a largo swamp) and taking into consideration the extremely unfavorable winter, the industry and perseverance of the settlers in combatting with the difficulties cannot be too highly commended, and it is to be hoped they will reap the benefit of their labours to the fullest possible extent. The roads arc fast drying up, and work of all descriptions, which has been more or less retarded by the almost unprecedented wet ! weather —experienced for the past six weeks i will soon be resumed in full force. The farmers who have been anxiously waiting 1 ft.rfhiS weather to get on with theii" plough-

ing, are now rejoicing in the agreeable change from rain to sunshine. During the last few days signs of spring are forthcoming, peach blossoms are appearing, the young grass is beginning to grow, and with the advent of spring, wc earnestly hope that it will be many years before wc have a repetition of the rainy season vouchsaved to us by the clerk of the weather in the winter of 18S2.