THE ROAD FROM WINTON TO WREY'S BUSH.

Southland Times, Issue 1617, 9 August 1872, Page 3

THE ROAD FROM WINTON TO WREY'S BUSH.

«- "We are indebted to J. ~W. Raymond, Esq., of Avondale, for the following particulars of the above road : — The projected line of road from Winton across to Wrey's Bush, intended to form a connecting link with the midland districts of the Aparima and the Waiau, has met, I regret to hear, with considerable opposition. For this reason I beg the favor of your columns to bring the merits of this route more prominently before the public I am safe in stating, this road is viewed by a large section of our community as likely to become only second in importance to the Main North Eoad, opening up as it will an immense extent of unsold country, hitherto a terra incognita, consisting of richly grassed plains, and undulating terraces, admirably adapted for farming and grazing purposes. The line trends in a north-west direction from Winton up the Oreti plains, passing immediately above the Heddon and Wrey's Bush townships, thence to the Nightcap coal reserve, distant from Winton about 22 miles. I understand there is a seam of coal at said Nightcap, with an outcrop 18 feet thick. I have tried a sample, and consider it equal to the best English coal for household use. This seam, if properly tested, might be suitable for steam purposes. If 80, its value would be incalculable ; it would, in fact, prove the salvation of Southland. Being well acquainted with this track from Winton, known only to a few, the following directions may be of use to parties travelling by this route, more especially to runholders and others taking fat stock to the Meat Preserving Works at Winton, or to Invercargill. Starting from the centre of Winton township, the straight line of road leads through a cutting in the bush, near to the Railway Hotel, extending across the flat to Gordon's Ford, New River. This ford is first class, and the approaches on both sides are unusually good. After leaving the Oreti behind a few hundred yards, a track will be found leading to the west. By following the same the traveller will come to a large creek, easily .crossed. From this, the terrace track can be seen running up the side of a gully on the survey line, which commences what is known as the Terrace Road. From rising the terrace, the Big Swamp is soon reached, distant from Winton about 4£ miles. The Big Swamp (a misnomer,— for it is only about two chains wide where the survey line cuts it), has hitherto been the bugbear of this road. About £15 expended in making a good culvert, with gravelled approaches, would overcome this difficulty. The road could then be opened right through for dray traffic — moderate loads only — for heavy loading other improvements are required. Until the culvert is made, horsemen can cross the Big Swamp without difficulty, by keeping the track of my wheel-marks round near the verge of the main swamp, and out on the other side. Townsmen may tarnish their Day and Martin, but that's all. From this a well marked track runs along the terrace for about four miles further on, then turns off the terrace on to a level plain, which is splendid travelling ground. By keeping anorth-westdirection one and a half miles, a large creek (with fords in abundance), will be crossed. Running up the good plain near the creek, a distinct horsetrack, also the survey line, carries the road out about two mile 3 above Heddon Bush, on to the Aparima Plains. I have been thus explicit on account of the dread strangers naturally have in attempting this route. A few individuals in doing so, got out of their natural element, and spoke of its difficulties accordingly. My experience warrants my stating it is the best cross-country road I ever travelled. On my first trip to Winton, I discovered the new crossing previously described to Big Swamp, which saved going six miles round, on a wretched road, as travelled by others before me. A sum of £500 was placed on the estimates last session for making this road. There will be no difficulty, I presume, in selling land in the district for that money value. The next thing is, for the powers that be to judiciously expend it. There is another public road that leads out on the Main Road a short distance north of Winton Bush, then turns to the left, and crosses the Oreti about a mile and a half above Gordon's Ford. It thus forms a half-moon sweep to the direct road, and is highly objectionable for many reasons. The ford is quicksand, liable to shift, and therefore unsafe for heavy loads of wool or grain. I believe it has been chosen as a good site for a bridge, and so

it is, but when we get a bridge there, it will be for a railvray. Meantime we want the best ford — the straightesfc and the least expensive route — also, one that trill confer the greatest advantage on the travelling public. The road I now draw attention to, is about the last in the province to be opened up. As a main feeder to the Winton Railway, I am sanguine 'twill not be the least important. In conclusion, this road will — must — be made, and without prejudice, I say, the sooner the better. Our wool has gone by the usual " Tom Cox's traverse " long enough. This, without disrespect to the good old road, and friends en route. Personally I feel getting old. and prefer — when bound for Invercargill — a couple of hours' canter to a journey of sixty-two miles via Riverton.