THE DUNSTAN ROAD.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 179, 13 July 1871, Page 5

THE DUNSTAN ROAD.

(To the Editor.) Sir, — It is not often that I troubl* the press — the people* moat power/ul champion — but with your kind permission I should like to make a few remarks connected with my trip from the Dunstan to Tuapeka, per Cobb and Co. This firm wants no flattery from your humble servant's pen, but I do think they deserve credit so far as the coaching on the route I have travelled is concerned. Instead of * coach I should recommend a sledge. We had an old skilful and tried whip in the person of Tommy Young, who seems to be well known and respected on the roads (pardon me, Mr. Editor, for calling them roads.) Well, our humorous and good natured coachman cheered us by telling vi at all points, and at all times, that we have got over the worst of it, and that we should soon have a railway, and to content ourselves, situated as we were, without s? rumbling. Merciful men are merciful to their beasts ; and our coachman apparently does not lack this quality, for he would most politely now and again remind us that a walk up hills and down dales would do us a power of good. From the kind and affable manner he asked us, we could scarcely refuse ; but working your way through mud and slush knee deep is anything but pleasant. If you will allow me, Mr. Editor, I will here make a simple suggestion — that the Government should do something to the roads, or Cobb and Company must drive a fourhorse coach if the mails are to be delivered according to time. It ia pre. posterouß to talk about time. My trip remind me of the old and uncivilised days of Jfew Zealand, «o far as the roads are coiicenud. Q-ood roads are a great inducement for people to settle in the country ; but I should recommend the Government to be careful in sending those who wish to settle in the province on the line of road that I am now writing about. Suffice it in the meantime to say that 1 1 inC.e lat Mr. Bastings' Commercial Hotel, where I met with a kind landlord and landlady, and all the comforts a traveller could possibly wish for. — I am, &c, A Tbivbllb^, Tuapeka, July 9.