Volume 01: Production and resources of the northern and western districts of New South Wales, 1854 [ca. 1850-1857] - Page 152
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147
39
40c
CLARENCE DISTRICT
ORIGINAL LINE OF ROAD FROM ARMADALE TO GRAFTON ON CLARENCE RIVER
This line is Shown in the preceeding table of distances which has been made use of by the draymen of the Settlers, & by travellers Since the Communication was opened up between Armadale & Grafton
A Shorter line is now Made use of by the Mail Contractors Much to the discomfiture of Several of [?] Settlers on the original line, this Short Cut was found out in 1850 or 1851 & then first Made use of
the line passes From Armadale to Hillgrove 15 miles
" Hillgrove to Wolamumbi Falls 15
" Wolamumbi to Guy Faulks Rigneys 20
Rigneys to Major Parks 8
Parks to Heranani 6
Heranani to Tyringham 10
Tyringham to Clouds creek 14
Clouds Creek to Nimboy late McDonalds 20
Nimboy or Nimben to Bushby park Aitkens20
Bushby park to Grafton 8
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This road Shortens the distance from Armadale to Grafton twelve miles & may answer the purposes of a Mail Contractor but it answers ill the Convenience of Several of the Settlers whose Stations are Situated on the original line of road, their Communications through the post is thus Cut off & they have to Send Men to a Considerable distance for their letters & other Communications through the post & this during a great Scarcity of labour - Both lines of road require to cross the North branch of the Clarence at [Nimb?] or Nimben (late McDonalds now ), which to be made useful at all times of the year require a punt or flat bottomed boat to Convey the loaded wool drays across the river — There is also a wooden bridge required for these lines to Cross the Urarra river, these improvements would Complete the line
The bridge across the Urarra can be erected at a Small expense, the river is Narrow & the Sides Steep otherwise the drays Might get over without Much difficulty
The great recommendation to the Clarence lines of road for Wool from New England to the Sydney Market as also for passengers by the Steam Vessels from Grafton to Sydney is that during every Season of the year there is a plentiful Supply of grass & Water everywhere to be had along these lines. The land distance to Sydney May also be a Consideration, From the Township of Armadale to Grafton this line May be passed over with one hundred & forty Miles of good road, While the distance of travel by land from Armadale to Maitland over the Moonbi & Liverpool ranges of Mountains, also Warlands ranges is two hundred & forty Miles, with Much of this line passing through a barren dry & parched land, with great Scarcity of grass & water during every Season of the year.