The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. In the cause of Truth and Justice we strive. SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 1871.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 796, 1 April 1871, Page 2

The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. In the cause of Truth and Justice we strive. SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 1871.

The indifference manifested by the Provincial Government with respect to ascertaining the facilities offered by the Buller Kiver for the purposes of traffic is deserving of censure, and more especially since a time has arrived when the public have become deeply interested in obtaining improved means of communication with the interior of the country. Nothing can be more blamable than neglect in a matter so materially effecting the settlement and progress of the Province; and although the Buller River is the oldest European settlement on the West Coast, yet we are uninformed as to the extent to which the navigation of the river may be improved. Such knowledge as we possess might have been supplied by the natives, \\ho,inacountry greatly impeded by swamps, bush, and a dense undergrowth" of scrub, would naturally avail themselves of such a line of communication between the interior and the seaboard. Indeed, some years ago, communication between the native settlements of the Grey and the Buller, with the exception of a short land journey over the Saddle, was entirely carried on by water. The pioneers of the Upper Buller and Lyell have also availed themselves of this natural highway. Since that time, absolutely nothing has been done to improve the navigation, which, owing to the difficulties encouutered, is necessarily expensive and uncertain.

The inevitable consequence of this impediment to traffic is the enhanced value of all necessaries. Without e;ood means of communication, a permanent settlement of the population is impossible ; and, in the pursuit of gold-mining, the richest ground only can be profitably worked. How often have we seen instances of claims abandoned and goldfields deserted, where the prospects obtained and the facilities of working have been equal to those of other populous and thriving districts, because of that one great drawback, provisions and other necessaries being at a price that left no margin, after deducting necessary expenses, sufficient to recompense the miner for his labor. We have also seen instances where, with improved means of communication, and the consequent cheapening of necessaries, tbe deserted fields have been again occupied, capital has been attracted to the field, and expended in reproductive works,the ground being then worked to advantage. It is only sucb as have experienced tbe desertion of a goldfield who can form an opinion of the difficulty in inducing a population to return, and it would indeed be matter for very serious regret if any negligence on tbe part of the Provincial Government were the means of losing the present excellent opportunity of settling tbe valleys of the Buller, the Inangabua, and their tributaries. Possibly a small expenditure would suffice to remove tbe snags that at present impede tbe navigation of the Buller and Inangabua rivers, and render their streams available either for small light-draught steamers or for boats towed by horse-power. A thorough, practical, and scientific survey should be made of both these rivers. Tbe Provincial Council last year recommended a survey, and it has been generally expected that the Harbor Master and the District Engineer would have reported jointly upon the subject. As yet we are not aware that they have received any instructions respecting tbe matter, but we trutt that the subject will not be evaded as it is one of great interest and importance.

In the Buller Valley we have every variety of gold-mining from the richest reef and alluvial ground to such as will only pay with an abundant water supply and with cheap provisions. But with these advantages a very large tract of country would yield a fair return and pave the way to its permanent settlement. To secure such a result the Province should be prepared to expend any reasonable sum that would ensure a means of communication at once cheap, easily maintained, and equal to all requirements.