GISBORNE-ROTORUA ROAD.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 283, 26 November 1908, Page 5

GISBORNE-ROTORUA ROAD.

NOW OPEN TO TRAFFIC.

THE SHORT CUT TO WAIKATO.

Mr R. Sherratt, a member of the Cook County Council, who has interested himself in the completion of the stock track to Rotorua, forwards to the Poverty Bay "Herald" the following interesting communication:—

"I should like to call the attention of the general public to the fact that the Gisborne-Rotorua road is now open. The County Council have done some very important and necessary work on the stock track from the Anini River to Maungapohatu, and the ride from Gisborne to Rotonia now presents no difficulties.

"Anyone inclined to take a pleasant riding trip might leave Gisborne in the afternoon, and make to Greaves accommodation house at Xgatapa. The following day a ride of 23 miles will bring the traveller to the Hangaroa river, where a very respectable native named Huhunui has accommodation for man and beast at a moderate cost. Thence to Rua's camp at Maungapohatu is about 26 miles, over most interesting country, the greater part through heavy ,' bush. The last ten miles of this road has lately been rendered suitable for ] traffic by the County Council.

j "The whole of the road from Ngatapa ito Maungapohatu is now in good order ■ for travelling stock; paddocks are rei quired, and will be made as soon as I possible. Feed is abundant, with the j exception of the last ten miles. "On my arrival I was hospitably en- ! tertained by Run. wjho informed :ne 1 that he was anxious that Europeans ; should visit his settlement. He said jhe expected shortly to be able to throw open some very fine blocks of bush land for lease. He himself has about 600 acres of good grass, and 800 acres of tawa bush cut and ready to burn. He did not obtrude his peculiar religious views, and struck mc as a very clearheaded man of business. He is certainly improving the condition of the people.

"The Government road to Rotorua commences at Maungapohatu. To exporters of stock, it should hardly be necessary to point out the immense advantage of this short cut, as it shortens the drive to the Waikato by about 10 days, as compared with the WairoaPetane route."