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Wellington Independent, Volume XXIV, Issue 3162, 31 March 1871, Page 2

We are evidently becoming every day more acquainted with the nature of the line of country in this province, through which it is desirable our initial lines of railway shall run ; and it is very satisfactory that the more we become thoroughly acquainted with the lie of the country, the long dreaded difficulties, which were thought to stand in ihe way, become of leas magnitude, and m some cases, disappear altogether. The ultirnute value of such fortunate configuration, may not readily present itself to the unscientific eye, but few can fail to lealise the immediate advantages of an easily constructed Hue of road. It appears that we have hitherto been singularly ignorant of the best natural intersections in this province. We are beginning to realise the valuo of obtaining a more intimate acquaintance with our own estate ; and to do this we should know something ot its highways and byway; Possibly, many of us may already have had an acquaintance reaching to unpleasantness with the deep ruts and sloughs of our highways proper; but if our knowledge of the whole province has been limited tothedifierent toll bars, wo would still be strangers in our own land. .Ever since the immigration and public works scheme of the Government became the law of the land, a great deal of attention has been directed to tho country belweon Wellington and tho Wairarapa. Nearly every settler in that district with any knowledge of the bush outside tho existing line of road has had his own opinion as to what was tho proper route

for a railway between the two places ; while Mr Koch fort has not in the mean- 1 time been idle. Since the rapid trip and survey made by this gentleman through the YVainuiornata Valley, and on which occasion Mr Gisborne made his first inspection in his capacity as Minister of Works, the public have hoard little or nothing of Mr Rochfort. We learn, however, that he returned to town on Wednesday night, after exploring a new lino of road between Masterton and the Gorge, and, from what lie says, the most eligible and least expensive route which has yet been looked over. The way lies through the Opake Valley, and Dr. Boor's property. The soil is rich the whole way, whilo the ground is very dry and lightly timbered, and to use Mr Roch fort's words, "it would he the least expensive part of tho whole road to construct." This is very satisfactory. To be suddenly informed that the portion of the road we had been accustomed to regard Us the most difficult is likely to be the least expensive, is a most favorable augury to meet on the threshold of our provincial railway explorations. We believe . the road through to Napier is open as far as the Gorge; and that a few months will see the whole read open to horse traffic, thus completing a broad line of communication right through the province.