C—ls.

% Besides the tourist traffic, there is a growing traffic in connection with the settlement of the lands adjoining the river on both sides. The opening-up of roads abutting at suitable places on the river is necessary to allow of this, and evidently much attention is being given by the Government to this matter. Of these roads, there are the following already located and partly under construction or constructed (as yet they are chiefly horse-tracks, or what are commonly called 6 ft. tracks) : —

The importance of continuing the location and forming of roads inland from the river-banks is very evident, viewing the Wanganui River as a main highway direct into the interior, and requiring these branch roads for settlement interests. It is not superfluous to refer to the question of the preservation of the bush scenery along this tourist route. Last year I reported in detail on the existing state of the bush scenery along the whole river course in the River Trust district between Raorikia and Taumarunui (parliamentary paper C.-l 5, 1908). On the present trip I observed recent bush-burnings in both the upper and the lower river which have occurred since that report was made. This is likely to go on in an increasing ratio wherever the river-banks have not been secured as a public domain. John T. Stewart.

Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation not given ; printing (1,550 copies, £2 7s. 6c).

Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9o9.

Price 3d.

3

Approximate Distance from Wanganui by River, in Miles. Roads. Position near Rapids given on Map of River published in Parliamentary Paper C.-15, 1908. Formation generally as a Horse-track or Oft. Track ' unless otherwise mentioned. On Left Bank of River. 142 138 137 132 121 117 Tunakotikoti . . Makokomiko .. Hikamutu Te Maire Kokakonui Kokakoriki Rapid No. 8 „ No. 20 „ No. 22 „ No. 35 „ No. 72 „ Nos. 80-81 .. This not yet formed. Formed inland to railway-line. Formed nearly through. Formed 5 or 6 miles in from river. Formed some miles in from river. . Formed through to near Raurimu, on railwayline. Formed for some miles in from river. Above Retaruke Junction, formed 3 or 4 miles in from river. Formed, except some 3 miles of a gap. This is the principal line inland to railway. Not yet formed. This is located to the River Trust Endowment Block of 10,000 acres, which is now occupied. A main dray-road to Raetihi and railway-line. Jerusalem. Dray-road about 4 miles in from river. Formed into Ohotu, and joins Para.para-Rae-tihi Road. Formed about 4J miles inland from river. This connects with the old road system near Upokongaro, and is formed, with some gaps, to about 30 miles from Wanganui. 110* 108| Mangaohutu .. Te Rata „ No. 97 „ No. 104 108 Retaruke Valley Retaruke Junction . . 67J Arawhata Rapid No. 186 55 49 Pipirikr-Ohakune Otaranoho Pipiriki Hiruharama 40 Matahiwi-Ohotu Rapid No. 212 26|Pitangi River Bank Near No. 229 On left bank of river, from near Rapid No. 236 upwards Te Aukopae On Right Bank of River. This goes inland to the settlements on the Ohura Valley, and is in use. Goes inland to the Whangamomona Settlements. This is formed as a dray-road for some miles from Whangamomona, and the remainder of the length is nearly completed as a horse-track to the Wanganui River. This goes into the upper part of the Ahu Ahu Settlements, and is not yet formed. 128 Near No. 52 85 TangarakauWhangamomona Tangarakau River Junction 45 A road-line from about opposite Ranana Ahu Ahu Opposite Ranana . . 33 Near Rapid No. 220 This is formed about 14 miles inland from the river. Formed in some miles from river. 14 Kauarapaoa Near Raorikia