REEFTON.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 845, 3 August 1871, Page 2

REEFTON.

(PBOM OTXE OWff COREESPONDENT.) July 31. In consequence of the delay in obtaining provisions, owing to the flooded state of the rivers, stores of all kinds are becoming very scarce, and there is no flour, the local baker having been obliged to suspend operations. The only means by which provisions can be brought at present is by packing up the river bed to JJeefton, a distance of nine miles, and the river being impassable for days at the fords no dependence can be placed upon a constant supply. If this state of things continue it will be impossible for the population to remain in the district. The difficulties with which the miners have to contend are aggravated by the absence of a proper means of communication ; provisions are scarce and command famine prices, and the large outlay of labour and capital, necessary to develop the resources of the district, all combine to render the miner's task a most diificult one. On Saturday last a packer, named Harry Hilderbrand, better known as German Harry, narrowly escaped drowning, while on his way from Reefton to the Landing. Hilderbrand, in company with the mailman (owing to the track beiug washed away), proceeded along the river bed, and after journeying a short distance Hilderbrand's horse was washed off its feet, and horse and rider rolled over into the current. His companion, however, rendered timely assistance, and Hilderbrand escaped with the loss of his hat. A swag he was carrying was swept away by the current, but recovered some distance from the scene of the occurence. Bentley of the Okihi Ferry has nearly completed a track from the Buller road to the lower ford, whereby the distance to the ferry is shortened by a quarter of a mile, besides enabling the traveller to avoid the old approach which is in a most dangerous condition. At the Nine-mile creek, Thiel has constructed a foot bridge so that the communication is open in any .weather between Westport and the Ohiki.