D.—No. Ga,

PAPERS RELATING TO THE

28

Line No. 2, between the Alanawatu and the Puketoi Eange, would after crossing the Tuki Tuki at AVaipukurau run over level country north of Lake Hatuma, through a break in the most northern spur of the Puketoi Eange, over the Maraekeke by a bridge of about SO feet span ; then for seven miles over the upper portion of the Euataniwha without any obstacle excepting a bridge of 50 feet over the Porangahau, enter the Alanawatu Bush at its north-eastern extremity, and follow up the left bank of the Manawatu to the open land at Alangatora ; thence over rather steep undulating country to Kaitoki and by a leading valley to the Alanawatu. This line offers no impediment until it strikes the Alanawatu near the great southern bend of that river; but thence, the spurs from the range run so close to the river, that the line for a distance of twelve miles would be very expensive. The portion through the bush to the bend of the Manawatu is perpectly level, but the length of bush line exceeds No. 1 by about six miles, although there is a saving of about one mile in the whole distance to the Gorge. For a road the line is objectionable, as the flat bush on the first six miles is so wet that upon the greater part planking or corduroy would have to be used. Line No. 1, between the Euahine and the Manawatu, is the one which, after general exploration of all three, appeared to me without question the most suited, and I have therefore explored it more in detail, by cutting lines in different directions. Upon examination of the whole country from a prominent spur of the Euahine, and from the high bare ranges on the southern part of J. Johnston's run, it appeared to me clear that the Euataniwha basin extends between the present road track and the Alanawatu to the open country at Matahiwi, wdiere the spurs from the Euahine seem to meet those from the Puketoi. From those points I could trace out a line nearly level from Takapau to Matahiwi. The first seven miles from the northeast point of the bush to the little clearing below Tawhiti appeared perfectly level, but on examination I found that the flat bush was so wet as to be (although best suited for a railway) unfit for a road without corduroy or planking. Under these circumstances I cut a line entering the bush about three miles cast of the present road track, and striking the clearing Tawhiti nearly at the eastern extremity, and thence with an average bearing of 192° to Mangatiwai-nui, at 195° to Piri Piri, thence 207° to Tahoraiti. In doing so, the steep spurs from the Euahine which are crossed by the present track have been avoided, and only few low very wet places have been met with. The whole line as far as Tahoraiti is nearly level, and the only difficulties are the crossing of the watercourses, which have been worn out very deep and precipitous in the Euahine gravel. The Manawatu, Mangatiwai-nui, the Alangatiwai-iti, tho Whakaroa, and the Mangatera, are all from 115 to 150 feet deep, and require long side-cuttings for a road. For a railway they would require timber viaducts, as over the Canons on the Sierra Nevada. The greater part of the line to Tahoraiti could be utilized for railway. About 80 chains of corduroy work, 22 bridges 18 to 24 feet span, aud 45 culverts, will be required on this portion of the line. From Tahoraiti to Pukerangi at Matahiwi the line will run over level and undulating open country (about a quarter of a mile east of present track), with the exception of two belts of bush of two miles in the aggregate; four small bridges and 20 chains side-cuttings are required on this portion. From Pukerangi a line is being now cut bearing about south-south-west, so as to strike the upper end of the Alanawatu Gorge, which will be distant about ten miles. I was induced to do so as, upon examination of the country conjointly with Mr. Stewart, who is well acquainted with the country about the Gorge, we came to the conclusion that the only practicable line for road or railway to the AVest Coast can only be obtained by following the Alanawatu Gorge. The present track runs over the saddle at Te Alma o Turanga, rising from Alatahiwi about 800 feet, and from the Puhanga, on the AVest Coast, about 1,150 feet. This rise should not appear an insuperable difficulty, and w rould under ordinary circumstances be overcome ; but the face pf the hill on both sides is so broken, that to obtain the gradient of 1 in 13 a great many dips will be unavoidable, bringing up the aggregate rise to little under 2,000 feet, necessitating many bridges or viaducts over dry gullies, and several miles of side-cuttings. On the other hand, a very easy gradient appears to be obtainable from Alatahiwi to the entrance of the Gorge; no difficulties of any moment, as far as we could judge on viewing the line from a commanding position. The line would strike the Alanawatu at the Alangahua, about 100 yards above the upper entrance of the Gorge. The Gorge is a fissure in the range averaging about 60 yards in width at the bottom (in some places only 36 yards), nearly six miles in length, with general bearing of about west, through which the Alanawatu flows with great velocity over many rapids (one with 4 feet fall in 40 feet). The sides are Euahine sandstone, from 200 to 600 feet high, with an average angle of about 25° from the perpendicular, but in many places like walls, and even overhanging. The sides are covered with scrub, fern, and scanty timber, very little soil being in crevasses and on shelves for larger growth. The rise of the river in heavy freshes seems to reach 24 feet in narrow parts. The west side (proper right bank of the river) being broken by five gullies, it would be necessary to make use of the east side for road or railway. This would necessitate a bridge of about 170 feet above the Gorge, and one below the Gorge ; but as that below the Gorge, under all circumstances, would be required for the line from Wairarapa, and as in addition to this probably the Puhanga would have to be crossed, the difference between a bridge over the Puhanga and that over the Alanawatu above the Gorge will only be required, which will be very trifling. The length of bush on Line lis about twenty-eight miles to the Gorge. The soil along the bush line varies very much, from rich loam to poor shingle, the greater part being of very fair quality and well suited for agriculture. The timber consists principally of rimu, totara, matai, white pine, black and white birch. Eimu is generally prevalent; while totara is principally in patches, but abundant. The trees are well grown, and underwood is generally light. The bush is well watered, running streams being rarely more than a mile apart. The larger streams carry heavy timber when flooded, and seem to be blocked up frequently by masses of large trees. »