A.—No. 17.

Ferry and approaches. If any reason prevents the immediate proceeding with the work in question, let Captain Morrison employ- himself in examining the line of road between Patea and Wanganui, and preparing sections and report. I have, (fee, To Major Noake, Commanding, &c, Patea. Wm. Fox.

No. 33. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Cooper to Captain Morrison. Colooial Defence Office, Wellington, Sir, — 24th November, 1869. I am instructed by Mr. Fox to request that you will proceed in the " Sturt " to Patea, and report yourself to Major Noake, commanding that district. You will be employed in examining and laying ofF the approaches to the Patea Ferry, and in supervising such works as may be necessary to the removal of the ferry from its present site to the town of Carlyle, and otherwise in such works in connection with road-making as you may be instructed by Major Noake to undertake. I have, &c, G. S. Cooper, Captain W. J. Morrison, Wellington. Acting Under-Secretary,

No. 34. Cojiy of a Letter from Major Noake to Hon. the Premier. Sir, — Patea, 28th January, 1870. I have the honor to report for your information that the road will be open for Cobb's coach on the Ist of February, and that I have notified the same to the proprietors. Praise is due to all concerned in this work, the men have worked well under adverse circumstances. I have, «fee, The Hon. the Premier, Wellington. W. Noake, Major.

No. 35. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Cooper to Major Noake. Colonial Defence Office, Slß,— Wellington, 2nd February, 1870. I am instructed by the Hon. the Premier to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 28th ult., reporting that the road from Wangamii to Patea would be open for Cobb's coaches on the Ist inst., and to inform you that the Government is highly pleased to learn that the road is now available. From what Mr. Fox saw when he was on the spot he feels certain that everybody must have exerted themselves most zealously in the cause, and I am to request you will convey the substance of this letter to the several parties engaged in the work. I have, ifec, G. S. Cooper, Major Noake, Commanding Militia District, Patea. Acting Under Secretary.

No. 36. Copy of a Letter from Major Noake to the Under Secretary Defence. Sir,— Patea, 17th March, 1870. I have the honor to forward for the information and approval of the Hon. the Colonial Secretary the enclosed report from Captain Morrison. I have. &c, The Under Secretary Defence, Wellington. W. Noake, Major.

Enclosure in No. 36. Copy of a Letter from Captain Morrison to Major NoAEB. Sib, — Pafcea, 15th March, 1870. I have the honor to report for your information the progress of the road-work in this district, and the steps which, in my opinion, appear necessary to be taken to protect the work already done, so that the road may be kept open during the ensuing winter. Commencing at Patea, there are about forty-two chains of earthwork, constituting the approaches to the river. Of these it will be absolutely necessary that some thirty-eight chains should be gravelled. There is an excellent bed of gravel, of very easy access, about four miles up the Patea river. A strong punt, capable of carrying twenty yards, should be procured. One of this tonnage built here would cost about fifty pounds, and could be made in about a month. From the Patea to the Whenuakura a good track has been cleared and improved, but the approaches to that river, as in the case of the Patea, and indeed of the Okehu and Kai-Iwi, must all be protected if possible by gravel, of it will be very difficult, and perhaps impossible, to keep the road open during the winter ; there are about 30 chains of earthwork to protect at the Whenuakura. I have not yet succeeded in finding gravel nearer than Patea ; I will, however, shortly, carefully prospect this district. From the Whenuakura to the Waitotara little beyond ordinary repairs, such as filling up ruts and perhaps in places temporarily diverting the road, will probably be required, as from the open nature of 5

17

CONSTRUCTION OE ROADS IN THE NORTH ISLAND.