it is only in fine weather that the four rivers are safe to cross. The Mohaka in particular is often flooded for days together so that all communication is stopped. The route I propose presents no difficulties whatever It is perfectly passable at all seasons. There are no rivers to ford or swamps to avoid. The ascent is gradual throughout its whole length from Napier to Taupo no ranges have to be crossed and from the sandy nature of the soil, very little metalling will be necessary. Starting from Napier by the new road to Puketapu, I follow the East bank of the Tutae-kuri to the Hakuai - a side cutting will here be necessary for one mile - this will bring the road to the Manga - one junction still keeping the East bank of the latter river - there is an excellent spot one mile above the mouth for a bridge the river here being narrow and sluggish and the banks on both sides of even height - a single arch of 60 feet span will be sufficient. The road there follows the low range of hills separating the waters of the pekapeka and Manga - hou-hou from the waters of the Manga - one and Manga - papa - as far as the Patoka gorge (the source of the Manga-hou-hou) - a side cutting of one mile will here be necessary, and a small bridge at the head of the gorgel Timber is abundant. The road, on emerging from the gorge, crosses the Mania-roa flat to the low saddle at Oru - thence a side cutting of three miles