E. Dosson.—State of Applied Science in Canterbury. 135 
New Zealand Alps, connecting the City of Christchurch with Hokitika and 
Greymouth, the ports of the western gold fields. 
The Otira Road is a remarkable work in every point of view. Whether 
we consider the grandeur of the scenery through which it passes, the geo- 
logical interest of the Alpine districts which it traverses, the engineering 
difficulties attendant on its construction, or the hardships manfully endured 
by those engaged on the undertaking, it is in every way a work reflecting 
credit, not only on the Canterbury Province, but on all New Zealand. 
Up to the commencement of the year 1865 there was no road from the 
Canterbury Plains to the West Coast, except a very rough and dangerous 
path cut across the Hurunui saddle by Mr. Charlton Howitt, in 1862, by 
means of which, at considerable risk, horses could be taken as far as Lake 
Brunner. Mr. Howitt was engaged, at the time of his death, in 1863, in 
cutting a track from Lake Brunner to the mouth of the Greenstone Creek, 
but it was not practicable for horses. It is true that horses had been taken 
down the Teremakau to the beach, but this could only be done when the 
river was low, and then not without considerable-risk. 
Up to the date last mentioned, but little attention had been paid to the 
fact that, notwithstanding the inaccessible nature of the country, a very large 
number of diggers had found their way into Westland, and were pursuing 
- their vocation with considerable success. 
About the beginning of 1865, however, the reports sent by the miners to 
their friends were of such 'a favourable character that a violent rush set in 
from Eastland to the new El Dorado, and the attention of the Government 
was directed to the best method of opening up a communication with the 
gold fields. To this end, Messrs. Edwin and Walter Blake were sent to 
improve Howitt’s track by the Hurunui and Teremakau to Lake Brunner, 
and to explore for a line of road, in continuation, across the country between 
the Teremakau and Hokitika. 
At the same time Mr. George Dobson and the Provincial Engineer 
were charged with the examination of the Waimakariri and its tributaries, 
to ascertain whether there were any passes which might afford greater 
facilities for constructing a road across the Alps, than that by the Hurunui 
saddle. 
The results of these explorations were published in a report from the 
Provincial Engineer, dated 15th May, 1865, amply illustrated with maps and 
sections. 
In accordance with the recommendations of this report, the Government 
at once took steps for the construction of a bridle road over Arthur’s Pass, 
descending into the Teremakau by the gorge of the Otira. It was at first 
intended to construct a mere bridle track, but the importance of the new 
