Gisborne July 30, 1874 My dear Mr. Maclean I hope you will use your influence about the roads at this place. I am informed that the General Government has undertaken to make the road from Gisborne to Ormond, and again from Makaraka to the Patutahi block, including a bridge at Matawhero. When we were here together in the Luna it was summer time, and there was no difficulty in driving a trap up to Ormond. Now the roadway is fenced in the whole distance, so that the traffic is confined to the road. The consequence is that the mud most of the way is two feet deep, and in some places it is more. The block of land at Patutahi, which is I understand in the hands of the General Govt. and is now being surveyed previous to the sale of it, will be very much increased in value if the road and bridge are previously made. Indeed the enhanced value would, I am persuaded, abundantly pay for the expence of the road; for intending purchasers if they saw the roads in their present state would many of them withdraw at once in disgust. Mr.Bold the Government Surveyor tells me that he has made an estimate for metalling the road from Gisborne to Ormond, which is a heavy undertaking, but may easily be done if proper steps are taken. I would suggest that it should be taken in hand immediately. The preparation of the metal, which is shell limestone like that at Napier, will be a work of time, and nothing can be done in the way of laying the metal till the summers sun has dried up the mud. The metal therefore should be prepared at once so that it may be ready to lay upon the road as soon as the ground is ready to receive it. Believe me, My dear Mr.Maclean Most sincerely yours William Waiapu