THE BULLER ROAD.

Inangahua Times, Volume IV, Issue 44, 20 July 1877, Page 2

THE BULLER ROAD.

[to the editob inangahua times.] Sib, — In answer to a letter respecting the condition of the Buller road, which appeareed in your issue of the 9th instant, and signed " Old Identity," the writer of that letter has largely drawn on his imagination in giving an account of the difficulty encountered by the pioneer coach and drays on their attempting to travel between Westport and Reefton. Now, sir, all new roads open for the first time to dray traffic are liable to considerable iDJury, especially at this time of the year ; hence some little difficulty may be expected until such time as the road becomes bedded down. Mr "0. I." shows how his friend, Mr Cereceto, got bogged after wetting himself with Old Eeuben's favorite brand. That fact may have had more to do with bogging him there than the badness of the road, which is considered, where the bogging took place to be in fair condi'ion. He, the writer, says the four«horse coach could not have come through but for it being empty. Mr Lines assured me he had over 7cwt besides sonic living freight on his first trip. Mr Cox, in defiance of O. I's accouut of the wretched condition of the road, and of his (Cos's) unheard of difficulties, still continues draying goods between Westport and Reefton, as also does Mr Aaron Came, who brought up two tons on his dray from Westport to Messrs Gallagher Bros. These facts but too plainly prove O. I's letter to be a fabrication of misstatements. His assertion that the specifications were not carried out last year, and that not a chain of gravel was put on the road, is a pointblank falsehood, as I had a liorse auJ dray and thoroughly gravelled the worst portion of the roiul in dispute. Tim initials of 0. I's letter onifht <o have been " 1.0. U. 1 ' and it would then possess relative value FIN snrrowful roluciunce in having to write on such a subject reminds one of a specimen in natural history which is sup* posed to s'ned tears before devouring its victim. The tone of his remarks through out seems to have two objects, viz.: that o n brin»in^ the Buller road into disrepute, and of injuring the late overseer and contractor. In conclusion, Mr " Old Identity," I would advise you to dip in that antiquated well known as Lcathe, for Truth is a crown which sheds a halo round tbe head of the old man ; but yours, Mr Identity, I think was broken when you were very young — I mean your crown of truth.— l am, &c, Fbancis Courtney, Road Contractor. P.S.— Hia version of the moa bones is incorrect owing to his want of knowledge of anatomy. — P. C. Inangahua Junction, 17th July, 1877j«