ROADS.

New Zealander, Volume 1, Issue 31, 3 January 1846, Page 3

ROADS.

To the Editor of The Neiv-Zealander. Sir, — In the analysis you have recently given of the present state of the Colonial Finances, there is one particular item that drew my serious attention, with respect to the enormous expense with so little proportionate benefit to the public, ond that is, the Survey department, of £\,716 11s. Od. in addition to the enormous sum of £2,205 Is. 3d. for Public Works, during the first three quarters of this current year, 1845-6. Now Sir, here is a sum in round numbers, of Four Thousand Pounds, little less than one sixth of the whole annual estimate of the colony for 18451846,—viz. os. Od. This enormous outlay, for which there it no visible advantage or improvement, naturally directs attention to the Survey department, and to the manner in which its duties have been fulfilled. For parsimonious expenditure, or for paltry salaries to efficient persons lor actual improvements, I, Sir, am no advocate ; but I would on this occasion, trespass on your valuable columns, for the insertion of a ft.w remarks on the formation and construction of the Roads in the vicinity of Auckland. As to the town itself, the original plan ot streets, j crescents, quadrants, &c, has 'ruined the beauty and I capability of the locality beyond redemption : therefore it is needless now to make this ridiculous bantling of the late Surveyor-General, subject of remark. The real course of the roads, near Auckland, now are about being developed by the suburban allotments, being enclosed and occupied. Heretofore, the public in their transit to distant parts have taken the natural aud most convenieni routes,— that is, as straight a line as possible, between two points, at the same time, avoiding all gullies and swampSj—but these government roads, are nothing but ziz zag lines, many of them nearly at right angles, and laid down over hills, and through swamps, rendering them almost impassable, without great difficulty and much animal labour. A more striking example of the incapacity of the present Survey department, in laying down roads, cannot be given, than that of the road from Auckland to the Tamaki, by Mechanic's Bay. After passing the Bishop's residence, there is a very sharp turn in the road, which then proceeds m a right line some few hundred yards to Mr. Heale's allotment. From this point, to the corner of Mr. Meurant's fence, where the road divides, to Epsom and to the Tamaki, the road could easily have been made as strait as an arrow ; but in that short distance there are no less than three abrupt sinuosities. By the side of the wood, up to Remuera, it is just as unnecessarily meandering, and on the open country, between the wood and Mr. Kempthome's farm, there are similar blunders; but which are not yet apparent, on account of the enclosures being few. But Sir, most palpably the best specimen of this injudicious system, is to be now seen, in consequence of the College and opposite land being enclosed, from St. John's College to the Tamaki Church. There are four turns in the road, all nearly at right angles, within the distance of a quarter of a mile, fraught with imminent danger to any unfortunate Jehu, or horseman, blessed with a hard mouthed runaway animal. What conld have been the inducement to the present Surveyor General, so to lay down these Suburban roads, it is difficult, to conceive; and after frequent passage over them, I can myself attribute it only to early associations, and a desire to render the roads indicative of military operations, and thus, the angle of the bastion, and the glacis are repeated. To open the country for the settlers, is the duty of the Survey department, for good Hues of road are ihe first and greatest benefits to an infant colony,— and to perform such service, able and practical men should be appointed, and who can really do their duty properly, contributing alike to the convenience of the distant settlers, and to the advancement of the colony. Apologizing for this intrusion on your valuable columns, and trusting it will tend to remedy the present system. I am, Sir, &c. &c. MOGIA. Dec. 28, 1845.