THE MILITARY ROADS.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume II, Issue 41, 10 April 1862, Page 6 (Supplement)

THE MILITARY ROADS.

From the Sov.Uiern Cross, March 21. On the 4th of last -January, we gave an account of the location of the military on the proposed line of road to Maungatawhiri, and thence to the Waikato river. Since then we have had an opportunity of personally observing tho extent and progress of the road-making operations, and wcie gratified indeed at the result which has been already achieved. The first detachment of troops marched from the camp at Otahuhu on the 24th December last, and tho second detachment a few days later leaving only about 300 available men doing garrison duty. Our readers will also recollect that very recently the Auckland Rifle Volunteers undertook the garrison duty in this city, and thus released the remaining detachment for operation on the roads. "When we recollect the short space of time that has elapsed since the first movemont of the troops, it will almost seem incredible that so much has been actually accomplished. But the fact is, thanks to the military, that on last

Monday a party including several American gentlemen and ladies, were enabled to drive with ease and safety, a couple of Mr. Harding’s two-horse four-wheelers as far as Mr. Selby’s farm, within three miles of the Waikato river. The military road from Drury to Maungatawhiri was passable throughout the entire length ; and its condition may be guessed, when we state that the horses not only travelled from Drury to Mr. Selby’s, but back to Auckland the same day with ease. A considerable section of the road has been metalled by the troops, the metal being invariably spread over the loose earth used in filling hollows. The level runs, likely to bo cut up by traffic, are also metalled; but the inclines and cuttings are as yet left with well-formed surfaces of earth. Every possible care appears to have been taken in carrying out the works, and it will not be possible for surface water to lodge on the carriage way or in the side drains. Stumps of trees and Stones have been removed, and when the finish shall have been put on this great highway to the South, as far as the Waikato river, we beheve it will not be possible to find of greater utility and permanence in this or any other colony. The men engaged are principally young,—many are mere youths; and as they handled the pick and shovel, or used the crow-bar or axe, one could hardly suppose, looking at their fatigue-dress and occupation, that they formed no insignificant section of the British army, and that a large percentage of their number have assisted to maintain their country’s honor on the battlefields of India, and in the Crimea. But so it is. Bronzed by the sum, and in the flush and vigour of health, the British troops in this province are employed on a work more enduring in itself, and of greater consequence to the settlers, than if they were engaged in active warfare. Not that we for a moment insinuate that active warfare is not in many cases a necessity, as well as a duty imposed on a nation but in this instance the foundation is being laid for the permanent settlement of a large tract of country hitherto unavailable, and thereby the cause, of Christian civilization must be largely advanced. Our fellow-countrymen will soon be located in force on the North bank of the Waikato; and when face to face with the opposing element, the might of their moral influence must in time sweep away every vestige of opposition. Beyond Mr. Selby’s farm the road is under contract, and part of it has been formed into the Havelock township; and beyond this, at the other side of the ridge, through the level bush that skirts the river, several hundred yards of new road have been completed. Men are working at the cuting at the rear ofHavelock, and they have felled the timber on the line of road round the ridge on which the township has been laid out. The road at present has been made no nearer the river than the blind creek ; but tho earth from the cutting already referred to will, in all likelihood, be sufficient to com pie to it to the water’s edge. /The Great South Road from Maungatawhiri will be carried up the high ground past Mr. Selby’s farm, and over the range to Havelock, but the best line would be to the left of Mr. Selby’s through the level country. This cannot be done, however, as the road would pass through native territory, and it is deemed best to avoid giving any grounds of quarrel. Although the entire line may not be completed 1 before winter sets in, the Lieutenant-General commanding will have succeeded in finishing it to the camp at Maungatawhiri, through the dense bush and over the Razor-back range, which would have been an impenetrable cover to an enemy: while an excellent bullock-dray road is in existence thence to Havelock. This makes tho Waikato river the line of defence for Auckland, and as the country on the south side is open for many miles, little danger need be apprehended from a sudden descent, in that direction, of tho turbulent Waikatos should they be so disposed. It is true the Thames and the Wairoa districts are open to them; but the natural difficulties in the way of such an expedition will in all likelihood deter any attempt being made. And, besides, General Cameron’s scheme is not limited by what has been accomplished. It is a great work to open a highway to the Waikato, but the present military chief in New Zealand sees that this is not sufficient in itself. If the tranquilisation of the’eountry is to be effected by bringing civilization into contract with natives, it must be done at all points; and Ijjat such may be the more readily accomplished, the territory in the hands of tho Crown will be thoroughly opened by roads. A road will be formed from Waiuku to the Wairoa; the tramway, already laid out from the Waikato to the Packington township on the Waiuku will, in all probability, be formed, and that would connect the Waikato with the Manukau, and secure land and water transit to Onehunga. There is a vast track of unoccupied country in the districts to be opened up by these highways, and we hope that steps will be taken to encourage settlements. We want a fixed population to take advantage of the roads, and bring into cultivation the now unproductive lands of the province. As population increases the difficulties that beset our rulers will disappear, and their energies will then be devoted solely to domestic concerns. We cannot conclude this notice of the military roads to the Waikato without bearing testimonyto the proper demeanour of the men employed, showing their admirable discipline and quiet and orderly habits. When on this point we may also gjye publicity to a suggestion made by a gentleman in relation to the roads —that inasmuch as the 65th, 70th, 40th, and 14th regiments are engaged at different points, it would be well to name the section of the line formed by each regiment after tho country where the corps was originally embodied ? For instance, let the road near Drury, made by the 65th, be called York-road, the second section up the Razor-back, made by tho 70th, tho

Surrey-road ; and the remaining sections, made by the 40th and 14th, the Somerset and Buckingham roads. This would be a graceful compliment to the regiments, and would also serve to remind the citizens of New Zealand, in future times, of the great work which four British Regiments undertook in a season of difficulty for the pacification and settlement of the country.