THE NEW ROTORUA ROAD.

Waikato Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1466, 24 November 1881, Page 2

THE NEW ROTORUA ROAD.

A correspondent ■writes as follows: — This work which has been under way for something like two years past, has not been so quickly proceeded with as those who were connected with its adoption and approTal as a route to the Lakes, "Were wont to believe, and if the opinion of several persons who have travelled often over that part of the district is to go for anything, tho road when conEiructed will be almost useless — so much so indeed that it is computed by men who have carefully considered the matter that the road will only be passable about two months in the year. The constabulary are gradually but slowly proceeding with the work of formation, but their work cannot possibly be completed — the wet and dense bush cannot be penetrated — before another two or three years to come. Mr Sealey the assisant engineer passed through the proposed route on horseback recently and I hear found the journey a somewhat undesirable one, having to lead his horse through mire up to the saddlegirths. The road when completed will be only twelve feet wide, and aa it is through a low lying and swampy part of the bush, and continually shaded from the drying influnnce of the sun, I am inclined to concur with the opinion above expressed. Some time ago, it will be remembered, Mr Carter offered to construct the road leading to the Lakes by the Waotu, which is only about ten miles longer than the one in course of construction, for £2000, but the offer was then rejected. Had this proposition been accepted or had the Government seen its way to take the work in hand, an excellent road, well adapted to wheeled traffic could have been in use within a month's time, and thus the inconvenience of having to wait for about a couple of years for the opening of a road which, when completed, will be of a very questionable nature, would have been obviated,