THE MANAWATU SURVEY.

Evening Post, Issue 112, 19 June 1865, Page 2

THE MANAWATU SURVEY.

Ever since we came to Wellington — we won't say how long ago, as we have not yet made our pile, or been returned for the Provincial Council — we have heard of the Manawatu as a place where we could invest our small savings, and retire to enjoy the "otium cum dignitatc " of grubbing up stumps, splitting fencing stuff, and other pleasurable concomitants of a New Zealand settler's life in the bush. We are glad, however, that we have abstained from the tempting investments of the Waitotara block, or of five shilling land in the Wairai'fipa or East Coast, and have our guineas still in the old stocking, as we shall now have a chance oi getting some land, at last, I free alike from the opposition of runholders or of Cameron -defying Maoris. Our readers will be interested in learning that the Superintendent has detailed a party of survey qrs to commence the laying out of the Manawatu country for sale. We believe the instructions are to mark out some timber country up the river, with a few town lots adjacent, so as to form a start for the sawing trade ; while another township will be laid off at the port for mercantile and shipping purposes, with suburban and rural lots in the neighbourhood. We are led to hope that before another winter sets in, a busy trade, with saw mills inland, and small settlers and shipping at the p >rt, may arise, and another social community be added to those already so numerous on the West Coast. The present survey party consists of Mr. John Knowles, Mr. Thomson, and Mr, Morgan Carkeek, together with Mr. John T. Stewart, District Surveyor in charge. Mr. Stewart's antecedents are very favourable to the progress of the object in view, he having been employed in the first instance to survey the boundaries of the block for the Land Purchase Commissioner. The party start to-morrow, Mr. Hamlin, the interpreter, accompanying them. The season is rather inclement, but the desire to avoid embarrassing matters has necessarily led to the delay. We widh the surveyors success, and that from rheumatism,PaiMarireism,and all other deadly isms, they may be safely delivered. There was a talk sometime ago of a small steamer being placed on the river by the Defence Minister, and we trust the doing so will receive every consideration before the whole of the small steamers now at the disposal of the General Government are parted with. We hope soon to give our readers a description of the Mauawatu country somewhat in detail.