RAGLAN AND WAIPA ROAD.

Waikato Times, Volume XIII, Issue 1041, 25 February 1879, Page 2

RAGLAN AND WAIPA ROAD.

FIRST VEHICLE B'ROM NGARUAWAHIa TO RAGLAN.

The long - talked -of and inuchdreacled mountain range between Waipa and Raglan has, at length, (noth withstanding many prognostications to tho contrary) been traversed by a vehicle, aud Raglan may now be said to be m co/nmunication with the outer world. Mr T. B. Hill of Auckland has had the honor of being the first to venture over the new road, which has been m course of construction for some months past between Raglau and Waipa. This gentleman has fir many years past zealously advocated the opening of this road, and nob until the present Ministry came into office, has any attempt been made to | push it though. Surveys innumerable have been made, and enough money expended on useless explorations which would have almost completed the road itself. It is due to the indefatigable exertions of Mr Hill, the engineering talent displayed by Mr Palmer, and last, though not least, the determined stand made by die Premier and the Native Minister, that Raglan has at length emerged from its isolated position, and can now communicate with the outer world m defiance of the stormy winds and waves. Mr Hill and his wife and family, six m number, Btarted from Whatawhata (whioh place he reached the day before from Ngarnawabia) m a one-horse vehicle on Wednesday last and proceeded on their journey to Raglan without any interruption until they reached t at village. In one place only had they to detach the horse from the trap, and this wa3 m a spot where blasting operations were being carried on, and sufficient rock had not been removed to allow the vehicle to pass m safety. This will however, be all rectified ere another week has elapsed. As Mr Hill was seen rounding the many turns iv his romantic drive he was heartily received by ringing- cheers from the gangs of nativos who were at work on different pDrtions of the road, and who were evidently highly delighted at the novel appearance of a wheeled conveyance crossing the once supposed impracticable Tokehoiihou Range. With a little more labor spent upon it, this road will unquestionably be one of the most picturesque drives m this part of New Zeal -.nd. We would urge upon the different Highway Boards concerned, the necessity of spending a little money m improving those portions of the road between Waitetuna bridge and Raglan itself. It would be money well spent, and without this is done, the RaglanWaipa Road would be incomplete. Durinar his drive, Mr Hill made a halt of half an hour to iuspsct the seams of coal which have been discovered on the summit of the mountain. Specimens m bulk of the coal were brought away by that gentleman, and will be forwarded to Auckland by the first steamer from Raglan.