G.—No. 7.

In the Waitekuri Valley, the road, as surveyed, follows the general direction of the old Maori path, but is shorter, and avoids four river crossings. At some points liable to inundation it keeps a higher level. I may mention, incidentally, that in the part of the valley where Craig's logs lie, the road touches the creek nine times, and emerges on the Whangapoua tidal flat close to the " Booms." The narrow rocky character of the river bank at the driving dam renders it a fitting place for a bridge, on a branch road ; and the requirements of the district indicating it, I arranged a cross road there, which will also have the effect of giving access to the driving dam. Mr. Gundry and myself worked with separate parties ; seven men were necessary to cut the lines and carry provisions. His Honor the Superintendent having kindly intimated the willingness of the Provincial Government to co-operate in the work, I obtained his sanction to the expenses of two of the labourers being borne by the Province. Mr. H'lgh Craig, and Mr. Macfariane, who represents Mr. Thomas Craig, have intimated to me their satisfaction with the facilities which the road will give in affording access to the logs. Since I defined the the road several drives have taken place, and the jam of logs at the point where the road emerges on the tidal flat has been cleared, Mr. Craig getting to his mill a large raft of logs. Mr. Gundry's services have been very valuable. He was untiring in exploring to find a good gradient for the descent of the mountain, and for fitting places for the road to turn at the sharper bends. I am happy to be able to report that the work has been executed without evoking any material opposition. The Messrs. Harris rendered me valuable assistance, and the chief Mohi indicated fitting places along which to carry the road. I forward herewith a plan of the road. I would recommend that, if approved, a copy of it be furnished to His Honor the Superintendent for the use of the District Engineer, and. for purposes of publicity ; and that Mr. Craig, and any other persons interested, may be permitted to take tracings of it, and have, if necessary, the road pointed out to them on the ground.* I forward also letters as in the margin, received on the general subject. I have, &c, Chahles Heaphy.

J. S. Macfariane to C. Heaphy, 16th February, 1872. Superintendent o Auckland to C. Heaphy, 4th April, 1872.

Enclosure 1 in No. 2. Mr. J. S. Macfarlatte to Major Heaphy. Sic,— Auckland, 16th February, 1872. I have consulted Mr. Richmond, solicitor, as to the probable effect of a road down the margin of the Creek, to touch the Creek at places ; he thinks it will be useful, and that the cross-roads at the Booms will also answer. I have seen the Executive relative to the District Surveyor, and your application, will be at once attended to, if you will be good enough to make it. Mr. Craig is not in a state of mind to be consulted, but Mr. Macfariane, at Wangapoua Mill, can do all that Craig could do; and Mr. Craig, junior, is expected per " Nevada "to take charge of the estate, and I hope you will meet Mr. Craig, junior, at the mill. I have, &c., Major Heaphy, V.C. J. S. Macfarlaxe.

Enclosure 2 in No. 2. His Honor T. B. G-illies to Major Heaphy. Sic, — Superintendent's Office, Auckland, 4th April, 1872. In compliance with the request expressed in your letter of the 18th ultimo, I have the honor to inform you that Mr. Aitken, the District Engineer at Coromandel, has been instructed to employ two men, at the rate of pay mentioned in your letter, to assist you in laying out a road from Coromandel towards Whangapoua. I have, &c, Thomas B. Gillies, Major Charles Heaphy, Auckland. Superintendent.

*Copy of plan sent to Superintendent; Craig and Harris allowed to take tracings. —C.H.

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PAPERS RELATIVE TO THOMAS CRAIG'S CASE.