Expedition Report

was consumed, could have induced us to persevere in the midst of a steady downfall, which so chilled us as to induce a drowsy lethargy of the most painful description. We crossed at length, by constructing a rude ladder of saplings reaching from a rock in the river to the top of the opposite cliff.

I have great pleasure in being able to report that no casualties of a serious character occurred, nor did any of the party suffer ill-health on the journey.

I have the honor to be,

Sir,

Your obedient servant,

VINCENT PYKE,
Leader of the Expedition.

The Makaroro was somewhat swollen, but the upper crossings were passed without any trouble. But after gaining the first open flat on the east bank we kept that side down to the Lake, thereby avoiding two deep fords below the Blue River. The return journey occupied nine days in travelling, and one day spent in searching for the mules. On the 14th October we arrived at the head of the Lake, where we found “Yorkey” awaiting us. The wind being fair we made a five-hours’ run to the foot, re-entering Clyde on the morning of the 19th, and starting for Dunedin the same day per the Gold Escort.

The main object of the expedition — namely, to find a practicable and easy route to the West Coast, I consider to have been fully accomplished. The ascent to and the descent from the Pass, are remarkably gentle. The rough country necessary to be traversed is limited to three miles at the Fish Stream, and twelve miles in the rocky gorges. Only one ford need be crossed on the Makaroro; and two, or perhaps four, on the Upper Haast, and these are all perfectly safe, with shallow water and sound bottoms. The Fish Stream requires bridging over, and a punt is necessary at the Burke, below which a few rocky points have to be surmounted, but there are no swamps, nor any rivers to be crossed from thence to the coast. The total length of this route from Lake Wanaka I estimate at ninety (90) miles, and I am of opinion that it could be made at a trifling expense.

We observed auriferous indications at various parts of our route, for fuller information respecting which, and other interesting topics, I beg leave to refer you to the Report of Mr Coates, to whom I entrusted this branch of the subject. I regret that, owing to the severe illness under which Mr Coates has suffered since his return to the Dunstan, this Report has not yet reached me; but I hope shortly to be in a position to lay it before you, together with a map showing our tracks and the proposed line of road.

Provincial Secretary’s Office,
Dunedin, 4th November, 1865.

IT is hereby notified that a Writ issued for the election of a person to serve as Member of the Provincial Council for the Lawrence District has been duly returned, with a certificate to the effect that JAMES CLARK BROWN, Esquire, has been duly elected.

FREDERICK WALKER,
Provincial Secretary.

Provincial Secretary’s Office,
Dunedin, 6th November, 1865.

IT is hereby notified that a writ issued for the election of a person to serve as Member of the Provincial Council for the Queenstown District, has been duly returned, with a certificate dated 31st October last, to the effect that CHARLES EDWARD HAUGHTON, Esquire, has been duly returned.

FREDERICK WALKER,
Provincial Secretary.

Provincial Secretary’s Office,
Dunedin, 8th November, 1865.

HIS Honor the Superintendent directs it to be notified that he has been pleased to appoint BRYAN CECIL HAGGITT, Esquire, M.P.C., to be Member of the Executive Council of the Province of Otago.

FREDERICK WALKER,
Provincial Secretary.

RETURN OF THE SALE OF TOWN LANDS IN THE PROVINCE OF OTAGO, FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER, 1865.

Waste Land Board Office, Dunedin.

W. H. CUTTEN, Chief Commissioner.

RETURN OF THE SALE OF RURAL LANDS IN THE PROVINCE OF OTAGO, FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER, 1865.

Waste Land Board Office, Dunedin.

W. H. CUTTEN, Chief Commissioner.