59

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4 chains of metalled road in connection with the Waitotara bridge, previously completed. These bridges are all well and substantially built, and the road throughout is in fair condition considering the indifferent quality of metal obtainable in the district. Wanganui and Taupo Horse Road. —The work on this has been extended about 450 chains during lastyear, making a total of about 29 miles now open. The line has also been cut and surveyed through the bush to the open country, a total of about 50 miles. The distance of this work from settled districts, and the inclement weather experienced, have delayed the work considerably; but it is hoped that the track will be cut through to Taupo before the close of next season. WEST COAST ROAD, PATEA TO PUKEARUHE; ALSO, MOUNTAIN ROAD (SOUTHERN PORTION). (O. Caeeington in charge.) Pukearuhe to New Plymouth. —No road work has been done on this section. The repairs to the Urenui bridge, in progress last year, were completed in June, and the bridge re-opened for traffic. Inland Road. —Between New Plymouth and the Mountain Road, which it joins at Inglewood. Four bridges, in hand last year, have been constructed on this line—viz., at Upland Road, Mangonaia. Waiongona, and Waiongona-iti; and the bridge over the Upper Waiwakaiho, also reported to be in, progress last year, has been completed. 246j chains of road formation, 10 feet wide, have been executed. The Manutahi bridge has also been built over the Waiongona, near the township of Manutahi, between New Plymouth and Waitara inland. Omata to Stony River. —Ninety-three chains of road have been gravelled. Stony River to Waiorongomai. —115 chains have been formed, and 80 chains gravelled, the Natives allowing the work to proceed without interruption. Waiorongomai to JJmuroa. —No actual road-making has been executed, but the worst parts of the track have been repaired by Native labour from time to time. On this section a site for a lighthouse has been selected at Cape Egmont, and a sketch showing the site and the adjoining coast prepared for the Marine Department. JJmuroa to Waingongoro. —266^ chains of road have been formed, principally heavy through-cuttings, and 34 chains have been gravelled. The approaches to the Punehu and Otakeho bridges, in hand last year, have also been completed. It is satisfactory to be able to report that the Natives during the past year have offered much less opposition to public works than formerly, and that they are becoming alive to the advantages of roads and bridges, more especially as they are increasing the number of their teams. Judging from their present temper, there would be no difficulty in carrying out any contract works required in their districts. Painting Bridges. —All the bridges between Kaihihi and Waihi, nineteen in number, have been screwed up, and painted under contract, by Mr. T. B. Louisson, of Xelsen, who has used throughout under approval, his Nelson hematite paint, which as far as our experience shows will answer for such purposes admirably. Waingongoro to Patea. —109 chains of road have been gravelled, and a small party of men have been kept employed on maintenance. The line of road throughout has been in good order until recently, but since the rains have set in the lately formed portions have become very soft and heavy for traffic. The gravelled portions are in good condition. Tenders have been accepted for gravelling 94 chains of road north of Carlyle, but most probably the work will be delayed until finer weather. Mountain Road, Southern Portion. —After this road had been felled and cleared as reported last year, it was discovered that, to make the line serviceable for railway purposes, some deviations would be necessary, particularly between the third and tenth mile from Hawera. Mr. Carrington was accordingly instructed to have a new line selected and surveyed, and this work is now in progress. Tenders have been accepted for the formation of 209 chains of road between Hawera and the edge of the bush, but until more favourable weather should prevail not much progress will be made. Tenders are also invited for the formation of the road through the Hawera township, towards which work the Hawera Road Commissioners will contribute the sum of £180 according to agreement. ROADS IN WESTLAND. (F. H. Gimsow in charge until May, 1875; C. Y. O'Connoe in charge after that date.) Christchurch Road. —The works on this road, although being executed at the charge of the General Governmen, thave for greater convenience been immediately under the superintendence of the Provincial Engineer of Westland, G. Mueller, Esq. They consist of deviations from the original line so laid out that the road in future will not suffer from the effects of floods, and are numbered and described as follow, viz.:—Deviation No. 3, Rangariri to Taipo: No. 6, near 35-mile post; No. 7, near 40-mile post; No. 8, near 42-mile post; No. 11, Otira Gorge, in all 11 miles 13"84 chains. No. 3is 5 miles 02 chains long. The work consists of clearing, forming (involving the removal of many large boulders), and metalling. No. 6is 1 mile 4 chains long, the work on which is of the same character as No. 3. No. 7is 57^ chains long. The eastern portion is of the same description of work, but the western portion comprised 8 chains of rock-blasting. This section was completed on March 7, and was then opened for traffic. No. 8 is 1 mile 37 chains long, and for its whole length is on steep sideling ground, with rock in many places. No. 11 is 2 miles 12 chains long. The annexed plan shows their position on the road. The actual work has proved of a less formidable character than anticipated, but several heavy slips have given great trouble to the contractors. It is expected that all the above works will be completed by about the middle of August, and the road once more opened for coach traffic. 10.— E. 3.