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Manawatu Times, Volume II, Issue 87, 18 August 1877, Page 3

, TO .THE EDITOB. . Sib, — In "a "leading article of your paper on the Btli inst., you referred to an article m the "Evening Post "of the 23rd July, advocating a road from Poxton to Otaki, and it appeared from your remarks m favor and against such line of road, that it would- be prejudicial to the line proposed from Palmerston through Fitzherberton and on to Waikanae; , My object m now writing is to correct the misapprehension that appears to exist m Palmerston. as to the line of road desired from Foxton, and the nature of the country through which it would run. In the first place, our proposed road to Otaki is not m any way antagonistic to the one from Palmerston, but is really dependent upon that line being carried through, as the road from Foxton would strike into the main line ,from Palmerstori, somewhere near Poroutawhao, not more than abont four miles from the South bank of the river, and 7 miles m all from Foxton. Secondly, the road commencing from Foxton has been laid out some years on the North side of the Mariawatu, and for about three miles runs through 'a country acquired by the Government, and is a rich soil and, perfectly level ; the river has then to be crossed, and it starts again from Oturoa to Porbutawhao, a distance ofabout four miles. The latter line~ was' made by the Natives, some 10 or 12 years since, assisted, by the Government with tools, provisions, &c, and I do not apprehend, therefore, -that' any obstruction can or will 'be offered by the Natives, being a road so long open, and -at present is mainly useful to themselves. I think if you will kindly insert this letter inyour paper it will be seen and understood that the proposed road from Foxton cannot m any way be considered as a competitive line of road as against the Palmerston, but as" a, branch line that we are fairly entitled to, from 1 the fact of its having been laid out years since, and also its passing through a portion of the cream otthe country, .and ,not skirting the coast as you have erroneously stated: ■ *- I can understand the. , error having arisen to a certain extent^ from- the article m the " Evening Post " not having been sufficiently explicit, and letting it appear thereby that it was the desire of the people of Foxton and neighborhood to'havie a line throughout, separate entirely from the Palmers ton one. Foxton being a good and safe port, and there being no other between it and Wellington, should surely be made available as such, and as far as possible for the interests of those now living along the coast between Manawatu and Paikakariki, as well as the large numbers that are likely m the future to become settled there. — I am*" &~c, A»Maijawattj Setilee. Foxton, Aug. ISth,JLB77. * .