CORRESPONDENCE.

Marlborough Press, Volume I, Issue 20, 19 May 1860, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

To the Editor of the Marlborough Frees. Sir —Will you allow me, as a recent arrival in this settlement (though an old settler in Otago), to draw 'attention to the fact that there is at present neither bridge nor ferry over the two largest rivers in the province, I mean the Wairau at the crossing-place near here, and the Pelorus on the line of road through that valley ; a want which every day imperils life and property, and almost every month, I hear, adds to the sad memorials in your little cemetery, and tears the anguished hearts of bereaved relatives, weeping sadly over them. This week one more is added to the list of deaths by drowning ; and, but for a providential circumstance, such would have been the fate of myself and a party travelling the Pelorus route last week, as the following simple recital of facts will show : Mr. James Goodman and myself started at 6 a.m. from Nelson, and easily accomplished the three (or four ?) crossings of the Maitai, and the

• J v* UIU A’XIVIbCU, auu Ui-4t> ascent and descent of the Mokotapu (that dread of the weary traveller) in very good style. Then crossing into the Pelorus district, we were delighted at the beauty of the scenery at every turn of the road; the latter, carefully cleared of roots and stones the whole distance, is a credit to the province. But on arrival at the Pelorus river, we were chagrined to find it rushing along with a force and velocity that defied all attempts at wading even on horseback. What are we to do now? I asked of my fellow-traveller? “ Just camp out, and to-morrow, perhaps, the river will be lower.” “ And perhaps not—and what then ?” “ O ! we must go back to Nelson, over the Mokotapu.” Very pleasant indeed, especially without food. Accordingly we made a fire, having fortunately been able to keep some matches dry, but having exhausted our provisions were fain to sup off two apples we happened to have with us, and try to sleep as we best might, on some leaves and branches hastily collected after lighting our fire, which, everything being wet around, took us some time to manage. Yet all the time we were only seven miles and a-half from food, fire, and comfortable shelter. Next morning we were again at the stream, and after two attempts to wade it, in which one, if not both of us would have been swept away by the force of the current but for a rope round the waist of one and held by the other, we decided on going down the river to try if .we could make ourselves heard on the other side—our only chance of assistance.

. J Arrived at the place where the ferry “ was not,” with the chain leading mockingly to the depths below, the deep still water, and the tempting proximity of the opposite shore, induced me to strip and try to swim the distance. This, with some difficulty, I succeeded in doing, and amidst heavy rain made the best of my way to Mr. Wilson’s, from which place I soon obtained assistance and food, &c., for my “compagnon du voyage,” but it arrived too late to rescue him that night. He had to remain, therefore, where he was, with three others who had since arrived (Messrs. Murphy, Hutcheson, and Wells) in the rain, with every prospect of the river rising still higher during the night. However, in the morning. Mi” Wilson, myself, and two men, went down to the river with food for all, and after cutting some trees down for a temporary bridge, had them all safely across. After rest and refreshment at Mr. Wilson’s, who deserves all praise for his readiness to assist, and willingness to oblige us weary travellers, we “went on our way rejoicing,” made quite a pleasure-trip through the beautiful Pelorus valley, where we saw some of the finest timber imaginable ; then the wooded hills around Havelock, and the equally beautifuj

; forest in the Kaituna Valley—a treat, indeed, for the lover of the picturesque. At 4 p.m. we reached the 'VVairau, where we were informed that the river was impassable, and that unless fine weather intervened, would be so for a continuance. Furthermore, here there was no public accommodation for travellers whatever, and we were indebted to the kindness of Mr. Maher, a settler on the river bank, for shelter and hospitality. Here we heard of the melancholy death by drowning of James Stevenson, and that another person had recantly left the house, and had never reached the other side, or been seen or heard of since. I understand Mr, Maher himself has lost a brother in this treacherous river, which, it seems, in nearly every freshet shifts the fording places, thus giving no security whatever that what was a safe ford last week will be’ one this. However; in the morning, with some wading, and the kind assistance of Mr. Murphy, Mr. Maher, and two 'stout horses, we got across, and truly thankful were we all to be well over so dangerous a passage. I understand the Gevermaent has long intended to thrown bridge over the Pelorus, (there are several places where it might be very easily done), and also to establish a ferry over the Wairau, near Remvick town, but the business of separation from the Nelson province has interfered with its being accomplished. Trusting there will be no more delay in so important a matter, and that you may find room for the above, I beg to subscribe myself, Yours, &C., A. H. LAKEMAIf. •