THE RAGLAN ROAD.

Waikato Times, Volume X, Issue 935, 20 June 1878, Page 2

THE RAGLAN ROAD.

Sir, —Tawhiao having been please d to stop or forbid the making of the road from Raglan (which from Auckland 'Herald' of the loth instant, it appears he has the undoubted right to do), it is probable that some time Avill elapse before the road is commenced, and consequently I have no longer tho fear of being called " an obstructive " if I mako any rcm arks upon the proposed line. The line is neither more nor less than the present track up' the Valley of the Kirikiri, with its fifteen bridges, and deviations whore it passes over the mountain, including some heavy cuttings on the precipitous side—a most objectionable feature, as, when the road is made and the side denuded of trees, land slips may be confidently predicted. I shall not occupy your space in again describing the superior advantages of the Koorangi line. The ascents on both sides of the mountain are, I think, unquestionably superior, or why did Mr Booth, when'making the line last year, take it down the Koorangi track though there Avere the Government lime kiln and track open on the present track? Our surveyors need not be so squeamish in this case about folloAving the Maori line, as they arc in the habit of doing so. The present road from Whata- , Avhata to Ngaruawahia is the old Maori line, and they, tho engineers, have formed no better line through the swamps bctAvecn Whatawhata and Hamilton than the old track to Kir'ikiriroa. That the Koorangi lino is the best across the range is the opinion of the greatest Maori " tohuuga," such as Watene Waitetuna, and others. The view I have in now Avriting to you is to suggest that, before tho road be commenced (winter Avill probably be OA'or), that the Chairman of the Raglan County Council and tAvp or three members of the Raglan and Waipa committees should go over both tracks. In the event of the grant of last session lapsing owing to the present delay, i 1 is to bo hoped that the successor to Mr Cox, Avhose resignation Avas so much regretted, may take a like interest in the road. —I am, &c, J. C. Johsstojs'E. Raglan. Juno IS.