CALEDONIAN AND GILES TERRACE TRACK.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 564, 7 October 1869, Page 2

CALEDONIAN AND GILES TERRACE TRACK.

DEPUTATION TO MR. DOESON, C.E. On Saturday a deputation from the Caledonian Terrace, consisting of Messrs J. Braithwaite, B. M'Farlane, aud P. Brennan, waited upon Dr Lobson, the District Engineer, for the purpose of bringing under his notice the necessity for the formation of a track between the Caledonian, Germau, and Giles Terraces. They were accompanied by Messrs Humphrey and Powell, as members of the Westport Progress Committee.

Mr Braithwaite, who was spokesman of the deputation, stated the circumstances which led to their appointment, and replied to the questions which Mr Dobson put forthe purpose of eliciting information. Mi Braithwaite explained that the

length of the track proposed would be about a mile aud a half. It would connect the Caledonian Terrace with Giles Terrace, while it would make German Terrace also accessible from both places. At present it was necessary, in packing goods, to go a circuitous route of eight miles, and the traffic was quite equal to that on the road to the Buller. A butcher sending a load of meat to Giles Terrace required to carry it a distance of eight miles. The ground for part of the distance was not the best of ground for the formation of a track. There was a considerable portion of bush, and a declivity at the Orawaiti, but not so steep that a sidling could nut be made. The cost of constructing a track would probably be £3OO, and, as £2OOO had been voted for reads to new diggings, it was hoped by the deputation, aud by those whom they represented, that there would be no hesitation on the part of the Government to undertake the work.

Mr Brennan and Mr Powell supplemented Mr Braithwaite's remarks, and explained that at present the track was wholly unavailable for horses by day or for pedestrians by night. Mr Dobsos" said that, of course, he could do nothing in the matter without referring it to the Government. He would, however, visit the locality on Monday, and, with the guidance of the deputation, he would examine the ground and ascertain the description of work which was required, so as to be able to advise the Government on the subject. It was a consideration that the track would include German Terrace, and it was also worthy of consideration that if the road were continued to the northward there would be one continuous track, so that a person could get from one end of the lead to the other without difficulty. The vote of the Council was not for main lines of road, but to connect branch places. Iu that respect it was applicable to this proposed work, and there must be a considerable balance of the vote yet left. As regarded the execution ot the work, however, he had no power to spend sixpence until it passed the Executive, and at present he anticipated that there might be a little delay before it received their approval, supposing it was a work which deserved to do so. The deputation thanked Mr Dobson, and retired.