THE WAITEKAURI TRACK.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2120, 20 October 1875, Page 2

THE WAITEKAURI TRACK.

To the Editor of the Evening Stae.

Sir,—On behalf of the Committee representing the people of Mackaytown* I have to thank you for the insertion in your paper of the 15 th instant of the Eeport relative to the Waitekauri Track from Mackaytown.

This Report was forwarded by me to the Advertiser in a letter dated the Sth instant, and there can only be the following reasons for its non-insertion :— Ist. The interests of the Advertiser appear to be so inextricably bound up with that of Tairua that they will not allow any matter in connection with the interests of other-gokllields to be prominently brought forward.

2nd. The Tairua.Goldfield it must be confessed is sadly disappointing them, and they fear tho consequences of any reaction whereby they must necessarily suffer a heavy loss from diminished value of said interests.

3rd. Their " own correspondent here has a decided opinion with reference to the construction of a line of road over a range of mountains varying in height from 1300 to 2000 feet, and pronounces it to be the " only practicable route for a " dray road to tho Waitekauri Machine " site."

4th. Mr Alloin's name appears attached to the report, which is, no doubt, a reason for their suppression of if. But, in addition to the above reasons, their objection to tko advancement of the goldfleld districts other than that of their own " pet Tairua " appears plainly enough set forth in their leading article of the 16th inst. 3?rom the tone of that article it is clear that the Advertiser is making a supreme effort to have the sum of £1Q,C33, whfch is about tQ b,e voted by the Assembly, appropriated solely for the purpose of constructing a road to Tairua, and counsels a "little timely pressure " to effect its object. No doubt the expenditure of such a large sum in one district would "make the field of value to the Province and the Colony." . : But, says the Advertiser: — " There "are grounds for fear, from what has •' recently come to its knowledge, that the " work will be put off for some indefinite " period, and a portion of the money " directed to other localities." It is to be hoped it vn'l. If ihat sum be expended by the 'Goycriijuieitf, y>'Q tript £fial \ja

shall get a large portion of it for the Waitekauri Track, wherever it may be ultimately decided to carry it. The'claims of this district ought to be considered. It'cannot be doubted that a reaction, even now, has taken place, as was expected, in favor, of ■ Ohinemuri. I niight say thfjt owing to the inflated or exaggerated reports published in the Advertiser respecing Tairua, Ohinemuri has suffered for a time; but miners disappointed at Tairua are now returning here. In conclusion, we have reason to thank you for giving publicity to that which, it would appear, is contrary to the interests of the Advertiser to publish, and we shall always be glad to find that there is at least one newspaper at the Thames willing to give expression to honest views.—l have, &c, - ; j Hr. McKay, ' Hon. Sec. Mackaytown, October 18,1875. ',