THE STRATFORD ROUTE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 15, 19 January 1892, Page 5

THE STRATFORD ROUTE.

PROGRESS OF THE EXPEDITION.

(BY TELEGRAPH.--OWN REPORTER.)

Te Awamutu, this day. Thk Stratford railway route expedition, including the Hon. Mr Cadman, Native Minister, Messrs Lawry and Jackson. Palmer, M.H.R's., Messrs Oiiphant and Wilson, arrived ab To Kuibi lasb evening from Auckland, and were meb ab Te Kuiti station by Mr Hursthouse, Governmenti Surveyor. After staying all night ab tha settlement, the party prepared to starts this morning for Stratford, via Poroatarao and Mokau, in charge of Mr Hursthouse, with a native guide. The weather was very wet last nighb, and it is expected the creeks will be flooded. It ia expected tho party will nob reach Stratford before Monday or Tuesday next. The railway survey track is reported very bad, and much grown over. Two days will be spent on horseback to Ongaruhe, and thence five days' walking through tha bush and hiiiy country to Taranaki.

(BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Hamilton, this day.

Tne Stratford route party passed throuyh. Hamilton yesterday—the Hon. Cadman, Messrs Lawry and Palmer, M.H.R.'s, Wm. Wilson, C.E., acting for the RailwayLeague ; Mr Oiiphant, solicitor ; and Star, special reporter. Mr Hursthouse meets the party at Te i_uiti. All were well prepared lor the tramp, and, judging by the appearance of the travellers, no very good clothe 3 will be spoiled on the trip. Mr Jackson Palmer's swag was admired by all, as also his general get-up, the black velvet coat being particularly striking. Rain was threatening, and ia now falling all over the disbricb, so that probably the oxpedition may havo to rest a day or so at Te Kuiti, as tha bush would be the reverse of pleasant ia wet weather.