WAIPORI.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 361, 3 June 1874, Page 2

WAIPORI.

(From a Correspondent.) There is very little news of importance to chronicle from this quarter. The Waip'ori " Popplin " (i.e., those workmen who recently struck for fortnightly pay) are quite resigned after the fracas they created; and, consoquently, everything i 3 pretty dull. The Lower Grossing township still continues to flourish amazingly — 'several durable and substantial edifices having been erected since my last communication, Altogether (including the primitive sod and thatch hut) there are

upwards of . 150 buildings. There is no doubt but that this will become a permanent township. It is rumored that the Grovernment intend to construct a bridge, suitable for all kinds of traffic, across the river a short distance above the old ford. This is a \nprk that should be commenced without thg*;JW^t, possible delay. The old crossing hayjifig been completely destroyed by the diversion! or ihe river, 'something will have to be done Bqoliei? orlater in this direction. The construction of the Drainage Channel is being pushed forward rapidly ; and it is expected that it will be completed in two months if the weather continues favorable. Five of the river diversions, including the O.P.Q. Creek, are finished. There are only two smaller ones to finish. At present, over 200 hands are employed, the majority being Chinese. It is anticipated that a further influx of Mongolians will arrive at the commencement of the present week. They work very steadily, and are cheaperthan Europeanlaborers. While on the subject of the Channel, I may mention .that Mr. Duncan, engineer, was recently despatched by the Government to,report upon the advisability of having the sides of the. Channel sodded. This will need to be done at some time or other. A freshet in the river a few days ago showed the necessity for something being done. If immediate steps are not taken, the sides of the Channel will be washed away considerably. Almost the whole of the Flat has been taken up and pegged off in 6-acre claims ; and all those persons who are of a speculative turn of mmd — I was going to say seized with the mania — are very sanguine of amassing untold wealth. It is to be hoped their expectations will be realised. Several very good prospects have been obtained. I hear that a party of miners have commenced operations opposite the crossing ; but, as they are not possessed of sufficient resolution to continue steady work, being rather inclined to their " P. 8.," are only making " tucker." Before concluding, I would like to impress upon the G-overnment the advisability of constructing, without delay, the road via Bungtown. Were this necessary piece of road completed, it would confer a great boon on the district generally. By the present road, which is at the least five miles longer, arid of a disagreeable and hazardous nature, it takes fully a day for a teamster with an ordinary load to reach hid destination — a distance of sixteen miles. Whereas, by the other route, which is almost all level country, there being only one or two short hills to contend with} it would not take one half the time: This district of late has been receiving a great deal of produce, &a. 7 from TuapVka ; and I considsr the Government be fully justified in undertaking immediately this work.