DISTRICT OF WAIKATO.

Superintendents Office, Auckland,
April 27th, 1855.

THE following letter is published for general information.

WILLIAM BROWN,
Superintendent.

Auckland, 12th April, 1855.

Sir,—
The Waikato district is perhaps, for the purposes of grazing and agriculture, on the whole, one of the finest in New Zealand, and although it is situated only two days journey from the capital, few of the oldest settlers have visited this beautiful river, and generally speaking its capabilities are as little known as the impenetrable forests of the interior. Having just returned from collecting the census in this district, I beg to forward you a copy of my report for general information.

It is unnecessary for me to describe my journey from Auckland to the Manukau; but the advantage that would accrue from, and the necessity for steam communication in this harbour, becomes at once apparent to the most unobservant mind, as soon as he understands the many long and circuitous channels of deep water, branching off in every direction, like so many roads laid down for the convenience of future inhabitants, for the purpose of conveying their produce from its banks.

A steamer of moderate power, drawing from 5 to 6 feet of water, applicable for the purposes of towing vessels out of or into the harbour, would be attended with great benefit to the native and European agricultural population, as well as to the commercial and shipping interests of this community.

As I proceeded on my journey, and became better acquainted with the various localities, the importance and value of steam on the Manukau became more apparent, as it only required a connecting link by forming a tram-way across the Waiuku portage to connect it with the Waikato river.

The present track across this portage, in all probability exceeds eight miles, but in a direct line cannot be more than five miles, three of which would be through the wood, where there is abundance of material for constructing a tram-road, and over nearly a level country, the greatest rise being between a portion of the Manukau called the Needles, and the Awaroa creek, which cannot exceed 50 or 60 feet. As I have made allusion to the Awaroa, and opinions have been given that it would be desirable to clear out the logs and stumps, I must beg to remark that were it not for the logs and stumps, there would not be any water in the creek for canoes; the logs now lying in the bottom of the river form embankments that dam back the little water that remains. It was suggested to me that a canal was the most desirable, but I do not think so; since I have seen the Waikato during this dry season, I am persuaded that a steam vessel adapted for the Manukau would not be applicable for the Waikato; and as under any circumstances a transhipment must take place, and a tramway could be constructed for a much less sum of money, and in much less time, I consider it the most desirable.

Passing up the Waikato at this season when the water is unusually low, it became apparent that a boat for this river should not draw more than two feet, being flat bottomed. The system adopted in the shallow rivers of India could be applied on the Waikato with success. The steamer is not allowed, under any circumstances, to carry either passengers or cargo, but large punts or rafts are constructed of either wood or iron for that purpose, and towed by the steamer—an advantage that would arise from adopting this plan would be the little detention of the steamer, as these punts could be left at particular stations, either for the purpose of discharging or taking in goods.

The settlers in the Waikato district would be inclined to subscribe £1000 towards a steamboat on the Waikato; this arrangement completed, a communication will be opened up; passing through 130 miles of the finest country, perhaps, in the world for grazing and agriculture.

Before undertaking this journey, I was under an impression that the Waikato Natives would not dispose of their land.

Land could be easily purchased in the Waikato district, if there were any one to buy, properly authorized, and in whom the Natives could place confidence. Mr. John Cowell, of the Roaru, Waipa, is spoken of by the Missionaries, and other residents, as the most suitable person to purchase land in that district: his long residence in the neighbourhood, and perfect knowledge of the language and customs, peculiarly mark him as the most likely man to make equitable arrangements with them;

Ascending the Waikato, land with nearly 10 miles frontage to the river, as pointed out to me, opposite Capt. Johnson’s, belonging to the Government.

With few exceptions, the white population of this district are squatters, subject to Maori caprice, and endless annoyances; and under such circumstances they could not be expected to undertake improvements of a substantial character. Notwithstanding these difficulties, they have constructed nearly thirty miles of road available for carts. One bridge, that they have built, is upwards of 76 feet in length, and 23 feet from the present water level; which is a sufficient proof that, were they holders of land under a crown title, they would not require energy to develop the resources of the country.

I cannot sufficiently express the anxiety shown by many to obtain Crown land and establish a permanent home.

There is a wooden church at Otawhao, 96 feet long, 36 feet broad, and 76 feet high. Another, a little smaller, at Rangiawhia, and a large Roman Catholic church.

Near Mr. Ashwell’s station the Waikato coal presents itself. Cropping out on the side of a hill, an incline of about 300 feet would deliver the coal into a boat on the river where the water is about three fathoms in depth. The coal, at present, is only available through Native permission.

About eight miles beyond Louis Hettel’s mill the limestone ranges commence. Here, a superior coal is found, which could be delivered at the Falls of the Waipa; a distance of about 30 miles over a good road on the river bank.

The Falls of the Waipa are distant from the Waikato heads about 140 miles, and would form the head of the navigation for the steamers.

The Waipa is a deep meandering river, running through a level, fertile country, intersected with brooks and small rivers emptying themselves into the Waipa, which, after winding its course about 35 miles from the falls, empties itself into the Waikato.

During the last year about four hundred European travellers have visited Mr. Cowell’s Station at the Roaru (Waipa), but as the Waikato continues its course many miles above where the Waipa forms its junction with that river, many travellers pass, whose numbers could