REEFTON

Westport Times, Volume VI, Issue 994, 9 August 1872, Page 3

REEFTON

(from, otjb own correspondent.) News of any description is very scarce here at present, so you must Mcuse'the briefness of my note. The Grey and Buller roads are rapidly approaching completion, the principal portions being metalled, but still a great deal has to be done yet, especially on the Buller side, in erection of bridges. The Grrpy road will be opened for horse traffic during the present week, and the Butter road in about five weeks ; but I "Understand that no waggons will be allowed on either of them, for some time after completion. The manner that these important public works have been pushed on reflect great credit on the General Oovernmment, to whom the thanks of this community are due for their prompt action in commencing them. Numerous complaints ivach town daily as to the neglect shown by the ferryman on the left land branch, were travellers'cooeying for a weary time, have been, compelled, through press of time, to ford the river, which is not done without considerable risk, tho bed of the river being formed of largo boulders, with a deep channel and a Tery strong current. I understand Mr Williams has a free license for looking after the ferry. If such is the case it is the duty of the Government, to see that is properly attended to. We are receiving a visit, at the prosent time, from the Rev. Mr Soutar, ivho arrived here on Saturday evening from Westport—he held two services, morning and evening, on Sunday, in Messrs Moore -and Watt's large room, in Broadway. There was a good atten ■dance on both occasions. Beefton is now connected by tele graph with all parts of tho colony. The first telegram was sent though by Mr Broad to Wellington on Saturday, 'returning thanks to the Government Km behalf of the inhabitants, in extend dng the line here, which will be a great boon to us all, but to the business people more particularly. Of -mining news the only item of interest is the expected washing up at Paddy claim, next Shiel's. Nothing is known yet, but the result "will transpire on Saturday next. The general opinion is that it will yield at the rate of from 2£ to 3 ounces to the ton. The election of officers for the present term, of tho Loyal Rcefton Lodge of Odd Fellows, recently opened here, took place on Friday last—when Bro. P.D.Gr.M. Brown was elected as N.G.; Bro. Thos Jollife as V.G.; Bro. Thos. Rawlingsas &.M,; and Bro. J. Casey as Secretary. Tho lodge meets weekly on Friday evenings.