ADVANCE BARRYTOWN

Greymouth Evening Star, 1 September 1920, Page 5

ADVANCE BARRY TOWN

CAPITAL WANTED. ISOLATION DIFFICULTY. BRIGHT PROSPECTS AHEAD. The possibilities of Barry town was the subject of an interesting chat with Mr. J. A. Mackenzie, of the National Mortgage and Agency Coy., to-day. During the week-end Mr. Mackenzie, accompanied by Mr. McQueen, of 01 ney and McQueen, Duller Road, paid his first visit to Barvytown and was agreeably surprised at the possibilities oi the district. Barrytown at present is almost inaccessible, _ and this fact rests as a firm lever on the many natural advantages, which otherwise would speedily help the district to take its place among the most prosperous parts of the Dominion. During the recent visit of the Hon. Mr. Coates representations were made to him for the installation of a telephone service through to Westport. A deputation headed by Mr. J. Brail, County Couh. cillor, also waited on the Prime Min. istcr urging the development of this part. Advantage was taken but a week ago to interest the visiting members of the Canterbury Progress League in this matter and for this purpose they visited the site where the road ends at Ten Mile. It cannot be said, therefore, that the disabilities under which Barrytown labours have not been fought against by the settlers. Fifteen years ago a bridge was built down in the gully at the Ten Mile ; it is there to-day. Only a bridle track leads down to this bridge, and up to the re-commencement of the road on the other side. Not caring to make use of this track, the settlers usually travelled by the beach, until a short time ago a tidal wave swept away the sand track, and now no vehicle whatever can travel to Barrytown. Only one way now remains to the settlers to bring cream to Greymouth, which they do three times weekly, and this is by means of pack horses a most out-of-date procedure. There is no doubt whatever that the whole crux of Barrytown’s possibilities rests on the question of the Ten Mile bridge. This fact was stressed by Mr. Mackenzie when he said ; “The success of Barrytown is assured when it has transport facilities.” There are some who may think that Barrytown, cut off from Greymouth, is yet connected up with Westport. There certainly is a road on from Punakaiki, but in parts it is only a- track —a thread in fact. Tff have the road from Barrytown to Greymouth will undoubtedly be of bmefit to Barrytown, but Greymouth, as the outlet of Barry town’s products, will also benefit After reading Mr Mackenzie’s remarks the importance of this subject will be brought home to many who have not yet given it a serious thought. “The trip nut on Saturday,” commenced Mr. Mackenzie, ‘‘was very rough but during the journey tire skies cleared and enabled ns to see the district under favourable conditions. The land from Barrytown on is quite good for dairy farming. At least 250 cowa were milked on a comparatively small area. The district wants capital for development, but outside money will not be available as Jong as the transport facilities ai’e so bad. Me were surprised indeed at the nature of the soil —down as deep as six feet it was quite good. The possibilities of dairy farming, sheep farming, and agriculture are great in the Barrytown district. Fourteen and a half-miles beyond Barrytown” he concluded, “the land is equal to any in Now Zealand. But, of course, capital is wanted

again. "if a road ran to Barrytown the speaker considered that a motor car could do the journey in an hour, thus shortening the trip by two hours. It must be remembered also that at present the trip can be made only on horseback.

“Sincp' my visit,” said Mr. Mackenzie, “the Minister of Public Works has announced that the co-operative tenders for the completion of the road have been accepted. This means that, by Easter probably, the journey will be made by motor car.” Illustrating the disadvantages spoken of Mr. Mackenzie related the return journey as follows; “We decided to take the long trail round the hill in order to avoid the mud and slush which covers the bridle track. In fact it is only a goat track at "best, so we decided to try the beach. We led the horses across the rocks, but the way proved too treacherous, for my horse landed on his hack in the sea. Luckily I wasn’t riding” he concluded. After his recent visit and after be ing shown about the district by Mr. J. Ryall, Mr. Mackenzie is .confident that there are prosperous times ahead for Barrytown.