360 



mercially. Stock might then be driven from Whanganui to Auckland, produce 

 would be raised in the interior, and would find a market on the coast, and 

 settlement and population would spread through the country. 



It is true that from Napier the journey to Taupo is comparatively easy ; 

 but persons wishing to pass from Whanganui to Taupo will have to make a 

 very long journey if they go by way of Napier. 



In the matter of defence, an attack made upon the Napier or Poverty 

 Bay districts, might, with the rapid information conveyed by telegraph, be at 

 once taken in rear from Whanganui, were tbis road once opened. A force 

 stationed at Taupo might, in a case of danger, be also promptly reinforced 

 from the West Coast. 



Whether the line of the Wangaehu, or that of the Rangitikei is the better 

 to adopt, is a matter for the surveyors to determine. 



