RAGLAN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume I, Issue 265, 17 September 1864, Page 6

RAGLAN.

[fkoxi ouk own coebespondknt.] September 9. T1 e ' Wonga' came in last evening alter dark, bringing down tho lion. W. Fox, Colonial Secretary, and Mr. Turton. The latter to arrange about tile purchase oi' native hinds in tliis district; and the l'oinier, wo devoutly hope, to look about liiin and help us by his influence in our many requirements as a settlement. Having heard that he contemplated visiting Raglan, mi address was got up and numerously signed, soliciting his influent c in pushing on the road to the Waipa. A deputation of the settlers waited on him this afternoon and presented it. 11 is reply thereto, was most satisfactory. Ho explained tho causes ol' delay in the survey, &c., and stated tliut us there were now no obstacles in the way, ho thought that upon the completion of tho necessary laying out by Jlr. 'lodd—that gentleman having received orders to push it oil immediately—the making of the road could bo at once gone on with. Poor Raglan has, for years past, 1 con somewhat in the position of a lost child, whom no one cares about, and sadly wanting ad< ption. From this -visit of the Colonial Secretary's, wo augur the best results, and flatter ourselves, that when he lias looked about the place, teen the capabilities of our harbour, and of tho settlement generally, he will fake us under his wing and help us on with his influence, Sx. 1 enclose the i.ddrcss for insertion in your columns. To tho Hon. W. Kox, Colonial Secretary. Sir.—Wo, the undersigned, settlers of Raglan, hearing with great pleasure of your contemplated visit to our si ttlenicnt, beg most respectfully to call your attention to tho immense advantages which would accrue,' not only to this and the Waipa districts, but to the Government especially, from the immediate continuation of the road between this place and the Waipa. The distance hence to Te Kore, by the lino traversed by Major Macgregor, does not exceed 32 miles, and the cost of the transport of goods 1 y that line would not, were the road completed, exceed GOs. per ton, whereas, by the present route, the rates are more than double. We might also state that the whole time occupied ill the t lansit would not exceed three days ; and as the freight from the Manukau, at the present date, averages 30s. per ton, the whole cost of conveyance from the last named port to the heart of the Waipa district (or rice versa) would bo less than JES per ton.

At no very distant day, we may reasonably hope to see tho Waipa a large agricultural district, and we would respectfully suggest that Raglan is the natural shipping port for its produce, from its proximity to the locations of the Waikuto regiments, and from its geographical position with regard to the Australian colonies.

Another argument—as it appears to us—in favour of the formation of this road, is the probability of the river Waikato being unnavigable during the autumn in dry seasons.

Tho length of the line requiring formation is about 1G or 17 miles, the greater part of which being level fern land, one hundred men, working systematically, would make flic l : ne traversable before the end of summer. In addition, the making of the road would open up some of the most fertile lands in this district. Trusting tho above suggestions may meet with the approval of Government, and soliciting your influenco in furtherance thereof, We have, Ac., &c Srptembcr 10. The ' Prince Alfred,' p.s., steamed into harbour this afternoon, from the Manukau. She brings despatches for the Colonial .Secretary. September 11. The ' Prince Alfred' left this morning for the Manukau, taking with her the Colonial Secretary, whose presence is required in Auckland. Rather unfortunate for us, as we had hoped for a longer stay. As it is, ho has scarcely had time to seo what we are made of, as the phrase goes.