[From the Government Gazette, March 18.] Pauatahanui, 30th January, 1849.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume V, Issue 378, 17 March 1849, Page 3

[From the Government Gazette, March 18.] Pauatahanui, 30th January, 1849.

Sir — I hare the honor to transmit herewith the Quarterly Returns of work and expenditure to 31st ultimo ; also plans of two bridges placed across the streams near Jackson's Ferry by Ensign Garstiu's military party during the quarter. The length of the first being 68 feet, of the second 68 feet 6 inches, and width of both 15 feet. The expense, though much increased by the distance from the station of the party, is only £48 each, or 14s. |d. per foot, exclusive of superintendence. These bridges and a causeway of rough masonry, admirably constructed by a portion of Mr. Compton's native party, have completed the communication for wheel carriages between Wellington and the poiut opposite the military station at Parramatta, which Mr. Turner's militaiy party is extending towards Pauatahanui. Between this place and the the coast near Wai Nui there exists now Kttie more than a mile impracticable for a cart, and by dismounting one for that distance I was lately enabled to take it, though heavily laden to Otaki, and I understand it can be done with equal facility to Rangitiki when punts are established where necessary. Beyond Rangitiki, I understand the Beach, though practicable, to be so heavy as to make an inland Route desirable to Wanganui. The total sum expended on this line to 31st December, 1848, is £18,269 : 12 : 10, including the purchase of implements, the quartering of the troops employed, building of stockades, construction of bridges, and every other item in any way connected with, it. The extent of road made, but in some places not yet metalled, is about twenty-one miles. .- With respect to the natives employed, I Gonceive their rapid progress in civilization, their steady industry and orderly conduct are now too well known and generally acknowledged to require me to further allude to them. , s I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, A. Hamilton Russell, Capt. 58th Regt., Sup. Mlty. Roads.