THE CENTRAL ROUTE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 8221, 4 April 1890, Page 5

THE CENTRAL ROUTE.

VISIT OF OBSERVATION. [bytelegraph.— CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, Thursday. The Hon. Captain Russell, tho Hon. Mr. Fergus, Dr. Newman, and Mr. J. Wilson started this morning by the ten minutes to seven o'clock Manawatu train on their journey of observation along the Central route of the North Island Trunk Railway. Mr. Bruce, M.H.K., will join the party en route. Mr. Buchanan has been prevented by business engagements from joining the party, which is, however, accompanied byMr. David Christie Murray (who will in due time become the historian of this expedition). Mr. J. T. Bothamley, clerk assistant of the Legislative Council (as photographer), and though last named, not least, Mr. Blair, the Acting Engineer-in-Chief. The following is the programme of the expedition as settled last night:— From Wellington to Longbnrn, and hence by the Government lino to Huntervllle, where they will stop for the night. On Friday they will go on to Hautapu, and will camp there for the night. On Saturday they will proceed to Moawhanga, and again camp for tho night. On Sunday they will travel as far as Karioi, a point about 60 miles from Huntervillc. On Monday they will get as far as Waimarino. On Tuesday they will make Taumaranui, and on Wednesday tho .Porotarau tunnel. On Thursday they expect to arrive at tho Upper Mokau, their farthest northern point. .Some of tho party will travel back by way of Te Koura to Taumavatiui, and thonce will go by canoe down the Wanganui River, and homeward by rail. Their trip will probably last about a fortnight, but may bo of longer duration in the event of interruption by bad weather. It Is, however, expected that some of the party will go on to Auckland, possibly Dr. Newman and Captain Russell.