66

For these eight miles, the land is partly open, and partly in bush.

To reach the coal at the further side of the plateau, it would therefore require eight miles of road, level, or nearly so, from the Buller to the foot of the range; about two miles of incline up to the face of the range at a gradient of about one in five or one in six; one mile of incline, about one in ten; three-quarters of a mile rising about one in forty-four; and three quarters of a mile falling towards the coal at the rate of one in thirteen.

The transit of the coal to the port would be effected thus:—The loaded wagons would be drawn up this last mentioned part of the line from the mine, by a stationary engine, to the highest point; from whence they would descend by their own gravity to the head of the self-acting incline, or be lowered down by the stationary engine, the empty wagons being drawn back by the same power.

Down the two self-acting inclines the loaded wagons would descend, drawing up the return empty wagons; and from the foot of the inclines to the port, the line could be worked by horses or locomotive engines.

Now it had been assumed and with perfect reason, that the coal seams visible at the further edge of the plateau, extended under it, and would be found cropping out on the seaward face of the range. This last mentioned part of the line from the mine, by a burning; and that an accessible point could be fixed upon at a moderate elevation (Mr. Burnett assumes 600 feet) where the coal could be worked, without incurring the expense of carrying the line to the top of the range and across the table-land.

This would reduce the length of line required to eight miles of level line and about one mile of incline, (self-acting) to the coal-workings.

I shall now briefly explain the kind of works necessary to be executed in forming the line.

For the first eight miles the ground may be considered as a level, presenting no unusual difficulties; the river or rather mud-flat of the Orawiti will require a very long bridge, and the Wariatea, a river of no great size, will also require bridging.

There will be a few moderate cuttings to make, and a good deal of ditching over the low flat land.

There will be some very heavy work required on the side of the hill, in the formation of the lower incline, which to act well should be as nearly straight as possible, thus necessitating deep cuttings and much filling up, to obtain a regular gradient throughout.

However, by making this incline in two lengths instead of one, the works on each would not be so heavy, either in the formation, or in the machinery necessary for working them afterwards; and in case of accidents (almost sure to occur) the damage would not be so serious in extent on short inclines as on long ones.

These advantages will be counterbalanced in a measure by the trouble attendant on the change of wagons from one incline to the other, but I think the shorter inclines will be found to be preferable.

The work on the upper inclines and across the table-land will all be of a costly nature; for the surface of the ground, though comparatively even and regular, is traversed in all directions by shallow gullies and small streams, which cannot be avoided, from the manner in which they overlap each other. A good deal of cutting and embanking will be needed here, and much rock-work will be encountered, as in many places the surface is nothing but bare gritty rock in flat tables.

This, however, will afford excellent material for waiting and filling, as well as for ballast, and for constructing culverts, and drains, &c., as it occurs in slabs of all sizes.

It must be observed, that in forming this part of the line, all the materials for the railway would have to be brought up the incline; that, is rails, sleepers, &c., &c., as no timber can be procured on the table-land. Nearly the whole of the above you will observe has already been fully explained in Mr. Burnett\'s report, but I have thought it better to recapitulate the facts, to make my report continuous and more easily understood.

Having now given an outline of the Buller coal-field, I shall proceed to describe that at the Grey.

I must first explain that my examination of the former, thoroughly satisfied me as to its extent and great importance, and also that by the means described the coal could be worked and brought to port.

Being anxious, however, to compare the two districts, and having always felt that the claims of the Grey as a coal-field demanded serious consideration, I determined to visit it, and obtain such knowledge of the coal there, as would enable me to draw a comparison between it and the Buller.

Accordingly, I endeavored to make arrangements with some natives who knew the country, to accompany me up the Buller, to the Inangahua, and up that river in a canoe, and thence down the Mawhera-iti to the Grey, (the usual inland route), but as I could neither agree with them as to terms, nor as to the time when we should start, or when we should get there, I determined to perform the journey on foot, by way of the coast. By this plan I was able to calculate with some degree of certainty how long I should be absent from the Buller, and allowed seventeen days for the trip; this as it proved was nearly correct, as the journey occupied us just sixteen days and a half, viz., seven in going, four at the Grey, and five and a half in returning. The distance is about 60 miles on the map, lengthened to more than 70 by the numerous little bays and points, and other deviations which must be made from a straight line; the journey is also prolonged by having to wait for the tide at certain points, which must be passed at low water.

I took with me two men who had been to the Grey before with Mr. Rochfort, and started with provisions sufficient to last out the whole journey, having been informed that it was very doubtful whether we could get supplies at the Grey.

Mr. Haast in his report on this part of his expedition, warns all those who have not a sure foot, and a head unaffected with giddiness, against attempting this journey by coast between the Grey and the Buller. I may repeat this warning, as it is certainly necessary, among other qualifications, to be able to climb up precipices, and to slide, or scramble down them fearlessly; these, and other gymnastic powers, being constantly called into play for nearly the whole distance. With the exception of one long, ten mile beach of hard sand, and a few shorter ones, available