PUBLIC WORKS IN THE NORTH.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 84, 16 January 1872, Page 3

PUBLIC WORKS IN THE NORTH.

Tiie party consisting of tho Hon. J. D. Ormond, Minister of Public Works, his Honor the Superintendent, Mr Brogdcn, Mr Henderson, C.E., and Mr Carruthers, G.E., which had proceeded to the Bay of Islands in connection with the projected public works in the North, returned to town last night. With reference to flie general works proposed for the North, we have not received definite information ; but we arc glad to learn that sufficient attention lias been given to the subject of the Kawakawa railway to lead us to expect that this important work will be speedily initiated. The mine proposed to bo benefitted cannot be regarded in the in the light of a private interest, and its thorough development is intimately associated with the advancement of industry in the province and the colony. In this light it is really to be regretted that the royalty as per arrangement fixed should hang as a liability over the mine, a view which we understand has been very strongly taken by Mr Brogdcn and his engineering stall'. And now, when the General Assembly projects a line of railway for the development of the mine, it would he a graceful act, if not even an act of justice, for the Provincial Council to forego the claim to royalty. It appears that when the party arrived at Russell no time was lost in obtaining the results for which they went. The mines were visited, and all their workings caiefully examined. As was to be expected, the working of these mines was hardly what could have been wished, but we believe they were in a little better condition than some of the party had anticipated. The proposed line of railway was gone over, and a considerable amount of data obtained. From the measurements made of cuttings and fillings in, nature of ground, &e., wc believe a sufficient amount of information has been obtained to enable Mr Brogden to tender for the work should the Government or company decide to go on with the construction of the railway. The proposed line goes over a very rough country, but there will be no real engineering difficulties in the way. We have heard that the line which seemed to be tho favoured one was somewhat longer than the line suggested by the company : but this will be no objection, as the sea terminus will be at deep water, where the largest vessel could load. From the pre-

sent termination of the traimvay, the line Avill be carried in a Avinding direction a distance of some miles, or about a couple of miles beloAV the point Avhere the company’s derrick is at present - erected. AVe have not heard anything of what the probable cost Avill be, but this and other particulars will no doubt be obtained when Mr Carruthers reports upon the matter to the General Government. Tt is intended to construct a wharf at the termimis, and avc understand that, by a very moderate outlay for this Avork, a most magnificent harbour Avould be formed, capable of sheltering a great number of vessels. The water is deep almost to the very edge, tlio intent ion being to construct the Avliarf by a ledge of rocks which run out into the river. Tt is to be hoped that the Avliarf will not be constructed of perishable materials, and that it Avill be of sufficient capacity to give berthage to that number of ships Avliich may he looked upon as likely to visit this port in the. future. So far as avc have yet ascertained, nothing lias been done respecting the roads in the interior Avliich have to be constructed this season to the value of £15,000, but it is to be hoped not a moment may be lost in pushing them forward while weather so favourable for the purpose is enjoyed. — D. S. Crons.