Nuhaka North Notes.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 141, 25 June 1901, Page 3

Nuhaka North Notes.

(Times Correspondent.)

Good progress has been made on the Mahia-Morere dray road during tho last threo months. This road is being formed by co-operative labor, a start being made from tho Mahia end ; botweon three and four miles have already been completed. It is understood tho mon will bo kept employed until the road is completed. This road follows a lending ridgo for a considerable distance, the soil being of a light sandy nature. If a. few ploughs and scoops wero employed instead of tho old fashioned method of spado aud shovel work, much better progress would bo made with the road, and tho cost would bo considerably less. About a mile of this road starting from Morero up tho hill is in a very bad state, and is really dangerous for traffic. The County Engineer has been instructed by tlio Council not to spend any money on this track, as it will shortly be formed. If a few of the worst places were faseined, the road would be passable for the winter, travellers having to trespass on private property to escape getting bogged. I notice several bridges on this track need attention, several of the planks being so thin as to hardly bear the weight of horse and rider. A gang of co-operative workmen, in charge of Mr A. Smith, have started form-

ing a bridle track leading to the sections recently thrown open by the Government. This road is known as the Maungaoni track, and leads right through to the TinirotoAVairoa road. Several of tho settlers on this block have already erected dwelling-houses and started bush-falling operations. The Nuhaka river is still blocked at the mouth, and unfordable at Stewart's crossing, notwithstanding the denial of your correspondent. Several travellers who attempted so cross on horseback had to swim. The height of the river is affected by the tide. At low tide the river falls on an average two or three, inches, the waterleaking out through the shingle. The purchaser of Messrs Black Bros.’ estate has arrived in the district, and will take delivery on July Ist. There seems to be quite a demand for Nuhaka lands, several gentlemen being in the district with a view of purchasing. One of our local settlers was offered £5 an acre for his holding, which he refused. So far, the winter has been very mild, and stock is looking very well. The percentage .of deaths among the hoggets is very small, and settlers are anticipating a jaild season.