ROADS IN THE NORTH ISLAND.

51

D.— No. 1.

TARANAKI DISTRICT. No. 69. Memorandum by the Hon. Mr. McLean for Mr. Paeeis. Wellington, 18th October, 1870. Me. Paeeis will have the goodness to report on the road works which can be commenced at once in the districts between Waingongoro and Stoney Biver, that advantage may be taken of the Spring to get the works proceeded with. In every case contracts should be made with each hapu through whose land the road goes, to complete the work within their respective boundaries. Donald McLean.

No. 70. Mr. Paeeis to the Hon. tho Native and Defence Ministee. Sic,— Wellington, 19th October, 1870. With reference to your memorandum of the 18th instant, as to the road works which can be proceeded with at once between Waingongoro and Stoney Biver, as I understand it is the intention of the Government to improve the line of road already opened, to make it available for Cobbs' coach, I beg to state that such improvements could be commenced at once from Waingongoro to Umuroa by the different sections of Natives who had the first contracts. From Umuroa to Warea the Natives in occupation of the land have not yet consented to undertake the contracts for road work, but it is hoped their objections will soon be overcome, and that the road may be taken through to join the work commenced from Stoney Biver. From Stoney Biver southward the unfinished part of the contract taken by the Ngamahanga will be proceeded with on my return to New Plymouth, and any improvements which may be deemed necessary could also be commenced on that part. I have, Ac, The Hon. the Native and Defence Minister, B. P abets, Wellington. Civil Commissioner.

No. 71. Mr. Cooper to Mr. Paeeis. Sic,— Public Works Office, Wellington, 21st October, 1870. In reply to your letter of the 19th instant, addressed to the Hon. the Native and Defence Minister, I have the honor, by direction of Mr. Gisborne, to inform you that it is desirable that you should have the present line of road from Waingongoro to Umuroa improved so as to make it available for " Cobb's Coach "at as early a date as possible. Mr. Gisborne has been given to understand that these improvements can be effected at an outlay not exceeding £1,200 and this amount will accordingly be advanced to you by instalments, from time to time, on your requisition. Mr. Blackett will be requested to inspect the portion of road from Umuroa to Warea before any work is commenced on it. With reference to the last paragraph of your letter, I am to request you to lose no time in completing the road from Stoney Biver southwards, being the unfinished portion of the contract taken by the Ngamahanga. The sum of £400 has been authorized for this purpose, and it is considered that that amount will be sufficient to make the road available for Cobb's coach. I have, Ac, G. S. Coopee, E. Parris, Esq., Wellington. Under Secretary.

No. 72. Hon. Mr. McLean to Mr. Paeeis. Sic, — Native Office, Wellington, 3rd November, 1870. On the occasion of your last visit here, I informed you that it was desirable that the road from the outposts south of White Cliffs to the Waitara should bo taken in hand as speedily as possible, in order to take every advantage of the season. The extent of road was to be divided and given out on contract to the military settlers and to such Native tribes as might choose to avail themselves of the opportunity of obtaining employment. lam in hopes that you have already made a commencement. In case, however, that you have not done so, I have the honor to inform you that you are hereby authorized, after the line of road from the outposts south of White Cliffs to Waitara has been properly laid out by Mr. Carrington and yourself, to offer to the military settlers and to the Natives the opportunity of tendering for the completion of the different portions of the road. For this work the sum of £500 will be at your disposal for the immediate improvement of the worst parts of the road, which you will divide into sections of, say, one mile length, and apportion alternately to Europeans and Natives, as you may think fit, on the acceptance of their tenders.