D.—No. 1

ROADS IN THE NORTH ISLAND.

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had driven a dray for several miles in the direction of Arowhenua, on the old mail track, without the slighest difficulty. I could see that above Cambridge the country became very rugged and broken, the Waikato, it seems, passing here through a gorge. As far as I could learn, the best line of road would be to follow the Tauranga Boad from Tapuaeharuru as far Niho ote Kiore. Once across this, a turn to the left, leading parallel to the river, brings to a spot opposite Arowhenua. Crossing the river here, the broken ranges would be avoided, and the road be taken along the undulating plains of the delta. Major Heaphy has gone over the three known tracks from the Waipa to Baglan, and has discovered a fourth, the adoption of which he recommends in preference to those previously in use. Enclosed is a tracing of the delta, showing the roads made, in progress, and in contemplation. J. H. H. St. John, Alexandra, Bth March, 1871. Inspector of Boads.

No. 3. Memoeandtjm for the Officer Commanding Waikato District. Undee the circumstances of the period it is necessary that easy communication should be established between the different posts, so that a rapid concentration of the force under your command could be effected on any threatened spot. The 100 available men for reserve are to be divided into two working parties of 50 men each, the one to at once undertake the formation of the road by Ohaupo, from Alexandra to Hamilton, thus giving free communication in all weathers; the other to complete the unfinished part of the road to Bangiaowhia, through Messrs. Douglas and Walker's sw ramp, which would enable you to move at all times along the extent of your frontier line. Alexandra, 23rd February, 1871. Donald McLean.

No. 4. Lieut.-Colonel Lyon to Mr. Knowles. Sib,— Boad Office, Hamilton, 23rd June, 1871. I have the honor herewith to forward plans and tracings of the roads completed, and under completion, in the Waikato District to the end of May. The tabulated general report is to the 30th of April. I have afforded the fullest information in my power, but allowance must be made for the short time this office has been established, and the absence of all plans and records. I have, Ac, William C. Lton, Lt.-Col., John Knowles, Esq., Wellington. Commanding Waikato District.

Enclosure in No. 4. Absteact of Tabulated General Beport forwarded in the above. Hamilton to Ohaupo. Chains. Links. Length completed to date ... Clearing scrub, three-quarter chain wide 82 57 Forming and draining, 26 feet wide ... 58 0 Fascining ... ... ... 34 0 Nature of country ... ... Open flat country, more or less swampy. Ohaupo to Alexandra. First Portion. Length completed ... ... Forming, 12 feet wide ... ... 6 90 Nature of country ... ... Through hilly dry ground. Second Portion. Length completed ... ... Forming, draining, and fascining, 26 feet wide 12 19 Nature of country ... ... Low wet ground, parts of it very swampy. Third Portion. Length completed ... ... Formed 26 feet wide, through small scrub and fern ... ... 18 87 Branch Eoad from Alexandra to Kahikatea and Eimu Bush. Chains. Links. Length completed ... ... Clearing scrub, 22 feet wide... ... 62 83 Forming, draining, and fascining, 14 feet wide... ... ' ... ... 2 83 Nature of country ... ... Through open dry fern land, with a small portion swamp. 2