New Zealand Spectator, AND COOK'S STRAIT GUARDIAN. Wednesday, March 10, 1847.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume III, Issue 168, 10 March 1847, Page 2

New Zealand Spectator, AND COOK'S STRAIT GUARDIAN. Wednesday, March 10, 1847.

We have recently visited the new road, now in the course of construction up the. valley of the Hutt, for the purpose of being able to give our readers some account of the progress and present state of the works. Before describing the road we may say a words about the new bridge, the works of which are in a forward state, and in six weeks or two months will be completed so as to admit of the bridge being opened for the accommodation of the public. The bridge is constructed on the model of those in America, and will be one hundred and thirty feet between the piers, leaving the bed of the river clear ; 'the whole of the wood used in its construction is Totara, which is brought from the commencement of the first gorge : the works appear to be executed by the contractors with great care and in a very substantial manner. From the foot of this bridge the road is continued in a direct line, avoiding the curves and turnings of the old road near Mr. Boulcott's section, and joining the old line where it

crosses the Okoutu or second river. This and the alteration of the road at the first and second gorge are the two principal changes which have been made in the direction of the former line. A portion of the road from the river to a short distance above Mr. Swainson's is completed, the surface being formed with a coating of shingle from the river; — another portion commencing from the second river is also in a very forward state ; on the remainder of the line to the first gorge the timber is cut down and cleared only. On the present occasion we need only refer to our previonsly expressed opinion as to the way in which the road is made, and express our doubt of its resisting the freshes during the ensuing winter, if the season should prove a very rainy one. It is greatly to be regretted that more strength was not put on this portion of the road, which is most affected by the floods, so that the earth might have settled down and have become solid and compact before the rainy season, and thus have been in a better condition to resist the action of the water. The change in the direction of the line at the two gorges, carrying the road at the foot of the hills instead of over their summit is a great improvement ; it avoids the turnings of the old line, is shorter, and at a much lower elevation, and is consequently easier for draught. At the second gorge the road hangs over the river, the bank rising precipitously from the water to a considerable height ; this part of the road will be sufficiently advanced in a fortnight's time to admit of a cart's passing. In the winter it is possible, from the nature of the soil that portions of the surface of the hill may be detached and encumber the road as often occurs on the road to Petoni, but a little attention will easily obviate this. After passing the two gorges the original line is preserved as formed by the Company, a distance of about twelve miles, to where their operations ceased ; it is thence continued to the Pakaratahi and over a low ridge into the valley of the Wairarapa, opposite Mr. Bidwell's station. We were informed that the line is passable to within six miles of the Wairarapa, and it may therefore be expected that it will be sufficiently advanced before winter to allow of a person riding on horseback the whole distance. This will then be the nearest and by far the pleasantest route to that valley, and when the road is completed it will eventually become the thoroughfare to that district. About one hundred and fifty men are employed on the cuttings at the two gorges; and another party of eighty men on the most advanced portion of the line, a strong party is also at work on that part of the road near the second river. It is expected that <in the course of another week the force at present on the road will be increased by the addition of a hundred natives. There are at present a number of natives chiefly belonging to the Pa at Petoni working on the road with the Europeans, they work willingly and well, and are employed in cross-cutting the fallen timber, in removing stumps, and other work to which they are accustomed ; some of them were engaged in the side cuttings, and appeared to be expert in the use of the crowbar, the pickaxe, and other European implements. During the fine weather we should recommend any one residing in Wellington who is desirous of a pleasant relaxation to visit the valley of the Hutt, and ride as far as the second gorge, and if he has any taste for the beauties of nature he will be much gratified with his excursion.

Tub Governor Grey arrived yesterday on her first trip from Wanganui. We do not hear of any news from that district. The Goverr.or Grey left on Sunday, at which time the Calliope was off the Heads at Wanganui.

Cricket. — On Friday the sth instant, a match came of on Thomdon Flat, hetween the Military with two of the Armed Police given, and the Civilians, when the latter proved victorious with 10 wickets to spare, Dr. Young and Mr. May carrying out their bats in the 2nd innings. It will be seen on reference to the score that there was no resisting the straight balls of Clout, and the tremendous pace of Mr. Cator's bowling. The latter gentleman and Herbert also distinguished themselves with the bat, making

very good scores. We congratulate the civilians on the great improvement in their fielding, and are glad to find they have taken the hints we have occasionally dropped on the subject. The military felt the loss of Mr. Masters' valuable aid, as well as the absence of Mr. Yelverton, but notwithstanding the excellent bowling of Waring, the first-rate batting of Porter, Benge ; and Wintringham, and the übiquitous fielding of Mr. Hamley and Yates, the fortune of the day Was against them —2V 1 importe, la fortune de ta gueire may bring them off victorious on Friday next, when the conquering match will be played.