Correspondence.

New Zealand Herald, Volume I, Issue 249, 30 August 1864, Page 4

Correspondence.

*»* Our correspondence columns bcinjr impartially open to all shades of opinion. it must be understood that wo do uot identity ourselves with any opinion cx\ircssed therein. To the Editor of the New Zealand IfmtAi.w. Sn:,— Many thanks are due to you from the Northern settlors for the manner in which you so repeatedly eqiouse their cause. It is with pleasure we ln'ar that the cattle prohibition has been removed, but had i f been done two months ago when cattle were so cheap, it would have been better for us. Kow the importation lias ceased, and cattle are doublo what they wen: then, wo are permitted to conic and buy. AVc do feel that we ought, to have been allowed to participate in the benefits of ilio importation, as our wealthier fellow-colonists southwards have done. I suppose the poor Northern settlors must take what they get, and be thankful. I do not promise, Mr. TM it or, hut I think they will remember all favours, next time they are callcd upon for theirsutfrnges.

I am very glad to hear theic is a movement being made to open up a new line of road from Shoal Bay, North Shore, heading the Oknra and the Wade, so that these, with the populous and thriving settlements of tho Mahurangi, and Matakana, may be reached from the North Shore, and the distance made easy. This will bo an immense benefit to tho Northern .District. This work has long been needed, and many is the time we have hoped for the opening up of the load, whereas wo have had for years to trudge over a long, winding, tedious, tract of indifferent country, becauso the authorities could not bo induced to take it in hand. Ido hope, Mr. Editor, that now the Superintendent will give us a little of his attention : if lie does, wo will be both grateful and thankful. We may not havo the most wealth in the North, but I ameeitain wo havo the most industry, anil let his lienor the Superintendent give us a helping hand, i:nd he will soon see that, the bono and smew of the province of Auckland lies in the Northern Settlements, which have never, as yet, had a chance. The Govennnient has never given them any enconrauimcnt, in consequence of which their efforts have been'paralysed. What heart can we settlers have, when, here we have been plodding for years, and for want of loads and bridges to connect, us with Auckland and the other settlements, >ve see "ur lands are of no more value in tho market than they were six years ago ; for example, there was a farm sold at the. paddock (the Wade) the last week, of acres, a right snug piece of land, part open land, part mixed, and part kauri bush, within four miles of tho Wade river, and, when, tho new road is open, I would guarantee to walk from Shoal Bay on to tho land in live hours; this land was selecfcd six years ago, and on being brought to the hammer, last week, was knocked down to tho highest bidder for the extravagant sum of 10s per acre. Now, Mr. Editor, I venture to say that worse land would have fetched, had it been at tho Waiuku, or 30 or 40 miles south of Auckland, from £l to £6 per aero, but because of our disjointed state, it is, "As you were," six years ago. This is by no means encourugine:. We can grow anything you like to name as well in tie North nr. well as our wealthier fellow-colonists South, yea, better. Wo can grow heavier oats and wheat r.ow than is grown south of Auckland, and, in course of time, as our heavy lands got improved, thero will be no comparison.

It will bo of immense) value to us Northern settlors when our roads a-e opened up. I uni assured by a M-'tlmrangi settler, who knows the lay of the country wi 11, that from the. North Shore to Muhurangi, tho •lislanro by tin.-: new road, will bo only 20 mites. I hopo the authorities will not trust tho laying it off to any parties interested, but that- tho same may be done for tho benefit of the many who ha ve to trudge the. woiry miles. At present, tlio foot-sore traveller ha.-i miles to travel over that thero is not tho slightest occasion for. r have not mentioned tho Hot Springs, hut now that there is an hotel thero, and accommodation for invalids, it-will be brought within a short distance overland. This, itself, will be a boon to the inhabi tants of Auckland, and, doubtless, when the difficulties of getting to the spring: ara.siirmountcJ, when it is known tlint thero is a good road, and tl'iat thoso healing springs can be reached at a distance of about 18 miles, many ■will go that would not tit present do so, because of havinir'to endure tho discomfort of two or three days' knocking about in a boat, disiffrceahlo, in tho extreme, to tlio healthful, but miserable to tho inv;did. NoETtiEEX Settler. V/ade, August 27, ISG4.