THE OTAKI ROAD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume I, Issue 78, 30 May 1879, Page 2

THE OTAKI ROAD.

We regret to sta»;e that considerable difficulty has been experienced with the Horowhenua natives regarding the survey of the Otaki*Foxton road. From Mr. Flyger, the surveyor engaged on the work, and who was in Foxton on Wednesday last, we have learned a few particulars, which we now place beforo our readers. It appears that during last year, ivben Mr Thynne was Chairman of the County Council, that gentleman received a letter from Major Kemp, of Wanganui, who is the head rangatira of the natives at Horowhenua, and who has the largest powers in reference to the land in question. In this letter Kemp stated that he was quite willing for a road to be formed through the land, but reserved the right to .say whether or not a railway should pass through it. A short time ago, when -the. survey was stopped by some of the natives, Mr J. T. Stewart, District Engineer, interviewed Kawana Hunia, one of the leading spirits, regarding the survey, and obtained from him a promise that it should be allowed to proceed. This was telegraphed to Mr. Macarthur, Chairman of the Council, and Mr. Flyger was thereupon instructed to resume the survey, taking with him the letters of Major Kemp and Mr. Stewart It turned out afterwards, however, that Hunia had aasuued a position the natives refused to justify. They said he wan only one of a number of grantees ; that he had simply spoken for himself; and that they could not re* cognise in any way his promises. As for Kemp's letter, they characterised that as a piece of waste paper. His own father and mother said tha t he might have written his name, but he could not haveknown the nature of the document, and that the survey must not prooeed until another letter giving distinct permission for the survey of a road, was received from Major Kemp. Upon Mr Flyger stating to chein that he intended to push on with ihe work, he was told that if he attempted to do so, his instruments, baggage, &c, would be seized and taken off the land. He was therefore compelled to desist, and the survey of this important road is now at a standstill. It appears that the natives object to the survey, as at present being carried on, upon the grounds that if the railway and road do not run one alongside the other, their land (or, as they term it, their " farm" ), will be cut up by two lines, whereas one will do. They also wish the line to be taken in a certain direction past the Horowhenua hake, and through the Wereroa Clearing. We understand the course the natives wish the road to be taken would nicrease the distanoe at lea3t two miles, as it would pass over two sides of a large triangle, instead of going in a direct line. So far as we are able to leain, the above are the partioulars. It is to be regretted this delay has occurred. The road is one thai will open up a large area of splendid country. It is necessary as the first step towards inland communication with Wellington, instead of the present beach road, which opens up no country. We trust that as the work is of so much importance, the Government will set in operation some of the machinery of the Native Department, wich a view to assisting the County Council. f Jhe despatch of a reliable Commissioner to interview Kemp, or to talk over the whole affair with the natives, and smooths the present difficulties, would probably be the best means of assisting the work. With the limited powers the County Council possesses, it ap* pears impossible for that body to effectually cope with this " little trouble. " In such a case, we hare a strong claim upon the Government for their assistance and support. We trust i| will be given.