Puriri.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 1988, 19 May 1875, Page 2

Puriri.

(PIIO3I A COERESPONDENT.)

Tuesday

The weather for the last few.dayshas been wet and, boisterous, but in spite of the heavyirains'there have been travellers on, s the road, or, I should call;them, .enterprising spirits, facing the mountain, having the^ "tret and mud to contend

against. Your humble servant came in for his share. I left Sully and Gillett's about half-past five in the evening, and arrived at Eowley's about two o'clock next morning. Such a night I never spent before;in all my colonial ; experience. ;;

Messrs Jackson and Grieves came down, yesterday on their - way to Shortland,? I believe with, the view of taking, up another lease. ■-. . To-day several have gone, up. If you speak about the weather they coolly remark-—," Its no use waiting: for; the fine season to set in, as the show will ibe harmless; "they expect a-large]in-,crease to the population. The .claims south side of the Propectors<are iii" favor and considered by miners!, of experience to be the right side —in fact, the test trials goes to back up such opinions. Within the last few days a few quarter jshares have changed hands in Scanlan's atfrom £20 to £25 per quarter. Good prospects are being got from Woodward's Claim. Pauline and Party can get good prospects on .their lease.. - •; Although- we \have daily communication^ from .Shortland, .gross neglect is shown by'those who are carrying oh the business.' '?A letter of importance sent from Shortland on Friday last, | was delivered at Puriri four days afterwards ; this state of things.will be shortly ! altered, as several business .people are determined if- the' steam boats' or their I agents cann.ot carry, out their business properly and charge-a fair and reasonable price for goods, that they will have a boat of their own. There are men working in the old Dawn of Hope retimbering, and, I believe, that it is .their intention to send down a few tons so as to prove that gold is to be got in payable quantities. This place yet will I prove to be a great, advantage to Shortland and Granamsfowm Sdme of the (shareholders of the old Dawn of Hope want the name of the property to, be called the Livingstone.' Rowley ' suggested it should be called Paddy's Polly in commemoration of that- distinguished gentleman's visit to this great district. .Ihear the road party-is likely to'be stopped for want of funds. I would respectfully draw the engineer's attention to the,.road between Puriri .andi Shortland; if two men were put onfor- arfew days, to ■repair the culverts it would save a visit 'of the Coroner .to this" district, for it is ! dangerous byday r saying nothing ofv; the: •night traveller. v By-the-by, perphaps lyqu can inform the public if the saw fmill company is to: keep the crossing |of the.;; Kauaeranga _■ in proper order. Through the booms being in 1 the river the Shortland sijfte .of the bankfis being continually washed away. I should suggest that a foot-bridge should be built for the i convenience ofvthe travellers;" -It is titne ; the public had'vthig portion of the road after, or-else before the winter is "over there .will be loss of lives, ru

; Two*'claims were pegged out to-day inprth and south of the Dawn, of Hope.. ; I A' horse belonging to Smith the packer took it into his head to take a trip down a sideling. After being 24 hours' left to his fate, they had to cut V track to get hinvup, but the horse's back was broken.

; The survey of McCleary's and the Mission Township has been stopped through the weather. I believe the, Government have got a great deal of the land between Shortland and here. If so, why not open it up for settlement. Mr -Say is making improvements to his hotel by , putting another wing, and he has started a receiving office for goods;. and I might state he will be well supported, as his charges are reasonable. There is nothing like oppositiou or competition in every line of business.