THE PUBLISHED DAILY. THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 1873.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1521, 19 June 1873, Page 2

THE PUBLISHED DAILY. THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 1873.

The activity which is being exhibited by the people of Hokitika, or by those who in public matters principally represent them, in promoting the project of an East and . West Coast Railway should prompt the Committee recently appointed in Greymouth to be as attentive to a matter which equally concerns the interests of both communities. While fully recognising the propriety of unity of action in securing the attention of the Government to the general scheme, the Committee cannot ignore the fact that the movement initiated in Hokitika ha 3 a specific as well as a general object, and that, while exertions are being made there to bring under notice the necessity of railway extension to the West Coast, a particular plan of extension is being favored. In no spirit of "local rivalry, but simply with the purpose of presenting to the Government the .pros and cons of the question, it is incumbent upon the Committee to place before the Government the views which here prevail as to the greater practicability and advisability of another plan than that of a line by Browning's Pass. This, or whatever else may be approved of, may be done without invidiousness, the simple fact being that there is a strong and reasonable division of opinion as to the system of carrying out a scheme about which, as a scheme, all are agreed. The Committee and the community having done their duty in this respect, ib will rest with the General Government to discharge the further duty of exploring and surveying the two or more routes which may be recommended as being best calculated to connect the East with the West Coast, and at the same time best calculated to establish easy, rapid, and cheap communication between the settlements, on either seaboard, from the northernmost to the southern-most point of the Middle Island.

There is another question which may be said to be essentially local, and which does not come within the scope of the appointment of the Committee, but which is nevertheless, worthy of consideration. That question is one whioh has already been raised in these columns by a correspondent signing himself "Index." It relates to the position of the termini of the Grey Valley railway, for trade or passenger traffic, within the town of Greymouth, and the present is, perhaps, the most appropriate time for discussing the suggestions which have been made in connection with it by our correspondent. It was the original suggestion of "Index" that, in consequence of the extreme exposure of that part of the railway line which is most proximate to Greymouth to the occasional assaults of the river, a higher level than the present should be chosen for its construction, an unavoidable alternative being that the line of road should also be at a higher level. Our correspondent follows this suggestion by others associated with it, and with the proposal to establish the goods and passenger station on the reserve near the end of Mackay street. In view of this last proposal, he considers that, in connection with it, a better design than that which is included in the present plans might be adopted to attain the object of easily and safely shipping coal. The present design, it is pretty generally known, is to construct a viaduct at a considerable elevation along Mawhera Quay as far down as the Melbourne Hotel, the purpose being to insure sufficient height to "shoot" the coal into vessels loading in the vicinity of that part of the so-called quay. He ventures to consider this plan objectionable, not only on account of the probable damage to a friable description of coal, but on account also of the absence of the picturesque in such a structure so situated, and of the presence of coal-dust and other iuconveniences to people and property. As an alternative, he proposes that a continuation of the line should be constructed from the proposed passenger station, along the Tidal Creek, along Hospital street, and through the Camp Reserve to a position on the river-side where deep water exists, and where proper" coal-wharves might be erected. He points out collateral advantages which, so far as Goncern the Tidal Creek, will suggest themselves to anyone

having olfactory nerves and a wholesome fear of epidemics, and which, in relation to the extension of the railway, will suggest themselves to all having faith in the future of Westland.

There can be no doubt that the scheme which has thus been briefly indicated has its recommendations, but it does not follow that it will be unanimously re-., cefeed with favor. Holders of property corraguous to the proposed ?riadu«t, m ft y not be so sensitive as '! Index " is to" the presence of coal-dust, it the prospect of dust of another kind is involved, or they may be less sensible than he is as to the change for the worse which may overtake their property should a viaduct confront it, and the goods and passenger traffic be diverted from their immediate vicinity. At the same time it may be contended by engineers or others quite as competent as "Index" is to venture an opinion, that to risk any permanent railway or river-side works in the direction of a part of the town which is at present most liable to encroachment and submergence would be a futile and fatal undertaking. It is not, however, the object of the construction of the railway that the interests of any particular pro-perty-holders should be consulted, nor is a scheme of this description to be accepted or opposed on the dictum of any single engineer. There may be sound reasons for either view of the case presented--for the original plan, or for the design which has now for the first time been mooted — and it would be desirable that, as much apart as possible from personal or property considerations, the matter should be fairly discussed by those who may reasonably pretend to the possession of an opinion on this or any other local subject. Undoubtedly the viaduct spoken of seems to be a clumsy contrivance, and one which it might be desirable to dispense with, chiefly on account of the possible injury to the coal which its height would involve. It cannot at first have been contemplated, the original impression having been that shipping would lie alongside the stone protection works, but the addition of a "foot" or a "toe" to these works has materially modified part of their purpose, if it has enhanced their safety. Wooden or screw-pile wharves will still be wanted, and the further contrivance wanted is one by which coal may be shipped with as little loss and manual labor as possible. If the viaduct is the only suitable means of meeting this end, its necessity is to be regretted, and if it and its disadvantages are an inevitable part of the present plr.r.3 there is some good reason, besides others that exist, for favoring such a plan as that which has been proposed by "Index." As we have said, his is a design which has some obvious recommendations. It is for others who take an equal interest in the matter, and who desire to see the construction of the railway discreetly carried out in all its details, to suggest a better.

Mr Harrison informs us that he has received a telegram from the Under-Secretary for Gold-fields stating that the specifications for the Lake Hochstetter water-race were being prepared, and that tenders for the construction of the work would be called for as soon as possible. This information will occasion general satisfaction throughout the Grey Valley, as for some time doubts hay? been entertained as to the intention of the Government with respect to this woi'k. The race will command a large extent of country which is admitted to be the best sluicing ground on the coast.

Tenders for L7OOO of debentures under the "Nelson Uity Loan Act, 1871," (Gas and Water Loan), payable in thirty years, bearing six per cent, interest, were opened last week by the Provincial Government. There were twenty -two tenders, amounting in all to L 29,300. The tenders accepted were for L 4200, at par, the Government deciding to refuse all under that rate. Tenders will at once be invited for the remainder of the money required, namely, L2SOO. The terms obtained are very favorable, being much more advantageous than those offered the Wellington Corporation for a loan of LI 2, 000 a few months ago.

At the Resident Magistrate's Court, yesterday, before Messrs Greenwood and lleid, J.Ps., Patrick Walsh was charged under the 11th clause ot the \ agrant Act, with having been unlawfully on the premises of Mr H, B, Hart, at the corner of Arney and Gresson streets. It appeared from the evidence that while in a state of intoxication the defendant entered the house by the window, and was immediately taken in charge. For the defence a number of witnesses were called showing that the defendant had for many years borne a very good character in Hokitika. Prisoner was sentenced to seven days>' imprisonment.

Mr W. H. Harrison announces his inten tion to address his constituent at the Ahaura on Saturday evening;

The ferryman at the Old Ahaura crossing is unable, he reports, to make a living at the ferry, and threatens that unless he is subsidised by the Government he will remove his boat. A terribly sudden death occurred lately in Wellington. A man named James Garrod, who arrived from Dunedin aboutthree weeks ago, and has since been in the employ of Messrs Gear and Co, butchers, Lambton Quay, went out with their cart to the slaughter-yard. r as usual this morning, apparently in robust health and strength. Just as he was about to turn the winch, he sud ; deuly fell down dead. Dr Grace was sent for, and quickly arrived on the spot, but at once declared that life was extinct. "Atticus," in the Leader, writes: — The benefits of newspaper literature are not appreciated by everyone. * The agent of a Victorian journal lately wrote as follows to the head office: — "Why don't you stop Bs paper ? The man being dead this office is not Ms address now. If you will send papers, try the Elysium line, or that of Hades. If he has arrove at the former, why should you deteriorate his happiness by inflicting your paper upon him? If he is located in the other place, why torment him additionally ? He always paid !" This is rough on the journal in question, and the last remark is adding insult to injury. The only case for hearing at the sittings of the Court at Picton, is that of Eyes v Eyes, being an application for separate maintenance by Mrs Eyes against her husband. The returns to the rules against the newspapers ia regard to criminal informations for libel, are to be made at the next Nelson sittings. The telegraphic cable to connect New Zealand with Australia and the world, appears to be not so distant of realisation as many peoplp dpemed it less than a year ago. The steamer Egmont is being fitted up at Queensland for the purpose of taking soundings between Sydney and New Zealand ; and the Governor of Queensland in the speech to Parliament delivered lately, asked power to confirm the arrangements agreed to at the Conference between that Colony and New Zealand on the subject of the cable* This appears likely to be granted, and we presume our Parliament will not throw any obstacle in the way of tho work, but lull jjjeek to expedite Jts fu,lfila}ens,

It is proposed by the shareholders of the ! Inglewood, North Star, and Phoenix Companies, at Reefton, to negotiate, if possible, for the purchase of the Westland Company's crushing plant. If this could be effected it is estimated that the cost of crushing the quartz raised would not exceed 7s (3d per ton, and at that figure all the claims in the vicinity would pay handsomely. At present •the claimV^K idle in consequence of it having bee^fceoved that the stone is not "u(Kcien|b|^ft to enable 25s per ton to be paid Ul^^^^mng. If liberal terms are offered Westland Company for the purchase or Tgne plant, there will be no difficulty in arranging the purchase. _ Why newspapers sent from home sometimes fail to/reach their colonial destination is thus explained by a London correspondent, whomrfkes a, statement on the authority of theTH-itish Postmaster-General, that newspapers not sufficiently stamped are destroyed in.orfler to maintain and enforce |>he system of pre-payment. Publishers accustomed to the various rates [of postage to our several colonies never fail to check the stamps affixed to the wrappers, but with friends and relatives who are not au fait at the business it is another tbin£, and thus their well-intentioned "remembrances" are but too«frequently the prey of ths arch-de-stroyer at the General Post Office.

At a meeting of the Westland Waste Lands Board, held at Hokitika on Tuesday, the following applications from this district were heaA^-A letter was read from the Chief Si^jß^r in respect to the application of Mr Lee^Bonth to have some land thrown open for sa^setween block LXX and block I, Grey district, in which Mr Muller reported that there were some miners at work in the vicinity, and therefore he recommended that the land should not be thrown open for sale at present. James Taylor applied, by his agent, Mr Learmonth, to purchase section 210 Greymouth.— Granted, L 6 paid. On the application of Mr P. A. Learmonth, the Board ordered that the boundaries of block LXXX, Grey district, be extended. The Board also resolved to hold an auction sale of town and suburban lands at the Land Office, Hokitika, on July 31.

The number of culverts on the new road between Nelson Creek and the Arnold, is said by the Grey Valley Times to be quite inadequate to the body of water to be carried away in time of flood, and unless they are greatly multiplied many hundreds of pounds will be periodically needed to restore the gaps made in the embankment by the receding water. When the Grey river overflows the back, country the road forms a kind of dam for nearly two miles in length, and as the number Wt bridges and outlets is not sufficient to allow the water to escape fast enough as the river subsides, the water forces its way through the road and sweeps everything before it.

Mr Woolley, District Snrveyor, has (says the Fnangahua Herald) made a survey of the Invincible Company's mine with a vievr of ascertaining the probable direction of the reef now being worked at an upper level. This company have put in a tunnel 560 ft at a level of 160 ft below the main tunnel of Anderson's Company's mine adjoining, Ac* cording to his calculations the Invincible Company have been long driving parallel with the reef, and he advises that a cross drive should be entered to the westward to strike the reef within a hundred feet. When this is done, and the reef obtained at such, a depth below the present workings in Anderson's, this company will be in as promising a position as any other in the field.

The cultivated listener at any of our concerts, says an American writer, cannot fail to be brought to a knowledge of the fact that there are a great many varieties of the same kind of voice. Take for instance the soprano, and you will find the speaking, the squealing, the screaming, the squalling, the squacking, the scooping, the titnid-flattel, the terrific-sharper, and many other varieties. Among altos are the guttural, the sepulchral, the thick, the thin, the betwixt-and-between, and the soft-solde? alto. Ofcher varieties of course exist which do not require the use of an ear-trumpet to enable the listener to distinguish them. Of tenors, the grasping, the Mating, the pipe-stem, the over-the-pitch, the under-the-pitch, the up-the-nose, the crying, the 'tom-cat, the saw-filing varieties are everywhere to be met with. Of all those, the " crying tenor" is certainly thie most to be dreaded. It can only be employed to advantage at funerals and wakes, and even then its effect is almost too heartrending. Now last, but not least, the bas9eg; There is the howling, the grain-leather, the pumpkin-stalk, tho empty barrel, the graveyard, the down-cellar, the sledge-hammer, the wire-edge, the mouldy, the gone-to-seed, and the blast-furnace bass.

At the City Police Court, Dunedin, lately, three carters were Gharged with not complying with the bye-laws by neglecting to have the tare weight of coal which was in their carts painted thereon. Bis Worship seated that these were the first cases of the kind, and it was the Council's determination to impose very heavy fines if the regulation was not complied with. He said very serions mistakes were made in the weight of coals, parties paying a great deal more than they ought to through the neglect of proper weight— he could not say whether intentionally or not— but if similar cases came under his notice he would inflict heavy penalties.

Kather a good story is told by the Alexandra Times, an Australian paper :— " Last Christmas a lady residing in Alexandra visited Melbourne. She wrote to her husband, whom she left in Alexandra, to meet her at the coach on her return. He failed to do so, and when the wife got home there was a scene. The husband denied having received the letter, but the lady was obdurate, and would not accept hjs statement. However, on the arrival of the last English mail, thft matter was cleared up ; the letter announcing the return home per Cobb and Co.'s coach had gone to London, and was returned marked, ' found in the folds of a news? paper.'"

The investigation into charges against W. H, Pilliet, Hesjdent Magistrate at Akaroa,' occupied Mr Donald and a fujl bench of Magistrates, in Chrisfcehurch, for several days. The Bench found the case of assault on Mr Farr by Mr Pilliet proved, and fined the latter L 5 and costs. The charge of drunk and disorderly preferred by Mr Parr against Mr Pilliet was dismissed, and two cross actions brought by Mr Pilliet against Mr Parr for assaulting Mrs Pilliet, and for using abusive language to himself, were dismissed with costs.

Mr Tolmie, of Dunedin, has apparently no great appreciation of the practical clothier. In a recent election speech he said : — "An anonymous writer in the Dally Times chose to write most damaging things of him in his private and official position. The letter being, in his opinion, a libel, he demanded to be informed of the name of the writer. After some time, the writer was unearthed, and it turned out that ' Alan Clyde' was a "fictitious name. He told the conductors of the paper, that ipless they gave up the name of the writpr, they' must be responsible, The matter was handed over to his solicitor, the name of the writer was given up, and a very full and ample apology was made, regretting the whole circumstances, and stating that there was not a word of truth in it. But the ridiculous part of the affair, and he did not care who- knew it, was this : That, after all, the writer was only a tailor—tho ninth part of a man," (Laughter.)