IA-4.

38

Ft. HAMMOND.

country in comparison with what will be served by the western route. There is ;i range dividing tbe two routes, and it is impossible: to get a connection then , . The portion wesi of the Tangihua Range could not bo served by the eastern route. 6. Is that land on the western route agricultural or pastoral land.' Both. 'I here are rich data and undulating oountry, some of which is carrying good grass. 7. What would be the extra distance to connect the eastern route al Kirikopuni ?—Four miles and three-quarters in a direct line. 8. You say thai from Dargaville to Oinano is eleven miles. If that line was put in then' ivould In , no actual connection with Dargaville, would there) Nol unless the river was bridged. !). It would be expensive to bridge tin , river at Dargaville I—Yes;1 —Yes; it would have to be a swing bridge ID. Mr Siali' inn ill //. I Would the railway-bridge go anywhere near the pretseni Mangakahia Road bridge] -No: considerably to the south. 11. Is there much difference in the width of the river at the two places? They have been chained by engineers, but 1 have not measured them. 12. The railway-bridge would be crossing the Mangakahia at a wider part of the Mangakahia Stream than that at which the road bridge crosses?- I believe thai is so. but I have not measured it. 13. Can you compare the cosi or length of the Tangiteroria ttoad bridge with the existing bridge over the Mangakahia River] -1 think tin 1 Mangakahia Bridge is about the same length and cost as the bridge at Tangiteroria. 14. As one understanding the country, and who drew the plans of the Tangiteroria Bridge, you think two railway-bridges would cost more than one? — lt was an estimate from my knowledge of the district. The flooding in this district is a thing that has to lie learned. The Tangiteroria Bridge had to !«■ kept to its present level, so as to be above water. The Mangakahia River bridge is higher than ours, and has been under water since it was constructed, which shows that the .Mangakahia Hoods far more heavily than the Wailoa. The proposed railway-bridge across the Wailoa is lower down than the Tangiteroria traffic-bridge, and hence less subject to floods. 1."). Can you name some properties on the western route' which you mention as being large holdings?- -There is part of the Karaka Block, in one piece containing 2,000 acres. 16. Is that Ihe largest I I cannot say definitely. There is also the Mauugaru Estate. 17. Have you any idea of the number of settlers on that ? I think there are lesn than a dozen. It originally comprised "21,00(1 acres. 15. Is it good land for settlement? Fes. I!). On the other wde of the river are there any large properties ?- —'I here is the Oniano Estate, about 12,000 acres, held by one man, and the railway will pass riglii through it. 2(1. Have you any idea of the approximate value of that land?— Not less than £."> per acre. 21. The future population on tin; western route, you say. will be a Large one. Whal will be the industries ? —Dairying and grazing. 22. Are these owners willing lo divide their estates? I think Mr. A. E. Harding is. He has already parted with more than half of his estate. 23. What IE the reason for the western district being undeveloped? Wani of roads and want of subdivision of large properties. 21. Why has the east been roaded and the west not loaded? — l do uoi know, unless it has been more favoured by the Government. 2."). It has not been more favoured by nature? -No, I do not think so - not so far as the quality of the oountry is concerned. 2("i. Have yon been through the western route? Only from Oinano to the Upper Mangonui Bridge, about eight miles. 27. Whal is the distance from there on the eastern route to tap the western route? -Ten miles, probably. 28. The country between Oinano and the Upper Mangonui yon regard as excellent country') —Yes: also from Wairoa River back to Mangakahia. 29. Is there a road between these two points you speak of? No, but there is a road some little distance away from it — from the river northwards. .'id. Wiih reference to the Kaihu Valley Railway: would the connection between Taita and Mangakahia open up country?— Yes. There are 6,000 or 7,000 acres of Crown lands, known as the Awakino Block. •'sl. Is there a large holding outside of Crown lands ? No. 32. Will yon give us some idea of the size of the holdings, and whal the people are doing?— There are a few settlers in the Taita Settlement. The settlers are milking cows for the creamery, and send their milk by Ihe Kaihu train. The Karaka settlers feed sheep principally. 33. You have heard about the timber forest existing beyond the present Kaihu Railway terminus: would either of the links lap that timber? -No. •'54. Mr. Slrrifl wan .\ The Parish of Mareretii has been sold, lias it not. and cut up into small holdings ?—Yes. 35. And the Parish of Tauraroa? h was cm into small sections, but it is not held so now. 36. What is the largest holding] I cannot give the figures. •'57. Are there more than 1,000 acres held there in one holding?— l am certain there is. 38. They have been paying rales for a long time lo assist in maintaining the roads?—l presume so, but, being in another county. I eannol say go. 39 The land about Oinano has not been paying rates?— Yes, certainly. lit How loni: has the land about Maungakaramea been settled? Since the Maori war. I believe.