COLLINGWOOD.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XXIX, Issue 32, 20 April 1870, Page 3

COLLINGWOOD.

[from our own correspondent.] Collingwood, April 18. Mr. Gibbs, the Eepresentative iv Council for the Bay, met his constituents in Takaka and Collingwood on the evenings of the 12th and 13th instant. The meeting at tho latter place, which was well attended, was held at Schafer's hotel, the Eev. C. H. J. Halcombe in the chair ; and as far as the party politics of the province are concerned, may be described as non-political ; Mr. Gibbs and the electors confining their remarks chiefly to the practical requirements of this rapidly rising district, with a view to their receiving the attention they merit in the approaching session of the Council. The roads to tho diggings were described as being in a state of disrepair that would seriously interfere with the traffic should it increase ; that to the quartz ranges, in particular, being almost impassable. The necessity of properly beaconing the tide-way crossings of the Takaka, Parapara, and Aorere rivers was also noticed by the speakers. Those who know the difficulties of travelling along the coast line of the Bay, and the loss of life which has resulted from the absence of proper guide-marks, will recognise tho need of this work. It was Btated that the late expenditure in removing tho snags from the Aorere Eiver has been insufficient to complete that important work which will open up a fine coal-field in the course of a month or two. The Chairman pointed out tho desirability and justice of this river being proclaimed a trunk line of thoroughfare to be kept navigable hereafter at the expense of tho province, being iv fact, a convenience of thoroughly provincial importance. If the coal mine should succeed (of which there is little doubt), this will certainly be the most important highway of its length in the province, besides being the most easily kept in repair. Being, in fact, a harbour as far as navigated, the extension of the traffic as far as tho coal whai'f will perhaps accomplish that object. The Chairman also pointed out an anomaly in the " Eoad Boards Act" by which districts are included within the limits of tho Board's jurisdiction fur beyond the alienated and rateable lands, by which ita members might, in fact, be compelled to take out-of-the-way journeys to superintend works on tracks in the interior. Tho policy of continuing the subsidy for Steam Postal Service between Nelson and the Bay was also canvassed by Mr. Gibbs and one or two other speakers.

The only otlier topic considered by the meeting wni the proposed alterations in tho "Eoad Boards Act." Those present (including Mr. Gibbs) seemed to be unanimous in their condemnation of the present mode of rating, which amounts to a tax upon improvements. It was stated by one gentleman present that in most Eoad board districts the principle does not press very hard on industry, as the assessments by Boards generally approximate to an acreage rate. It is doubtful whether the same could bo said of the Waimea, but if this disregard of the principle be general, it is worse than useless ; if operative anywhere it is unjust, and in either case should be substituted by some more equitable system. Of news from tho diggings there is little beyond! what you may have heard already. Eich finds of specimens continue to be made, but with regard to such discoveries it is useless to say much in anticipation of the test their value must shortly receive from the stamping battery of the Perseverance Company. This ponderous machinery is now nearly erected. The tramway will be finished in about three or four weeks. I will send you a description of the whole when completed. Three months' trial, with such machinery, will be worth an age of speculation without it. The Pioneer Company are still pi'oceeding with the opening of their copper lode. The coincidence of the discovery of this lode with the opening of the coal mino at the port, naturally suggests the idea of smelting the copper at the port, should the ore be found in sufficient quantities. That question once determined, the question, Will it pay ? is for practical men to say. South Australia may not be a reliable guide for us on this point, as it is not the abundance of copper only, but the cheapness of coal, which would have to be considered; and South Australia is wanting in this advantage. I mentioned before that the first break on the incline at the coal mine did not act well. A new and very powerful break is now in use, which works admirably. All the heavy material for tho tram, &c, is now being conveyed by tho trucks up the incline (about twenty chains), tho distance being accomplished usually in three minutes, and with perfect safety. Several excursionists have already made the ascent.