Thomas’s report only waits the approval of the Bishop and Governor of New Zealand, who seem rather disposed for the Wairarapa, for the surveys to he proceeded with immediately.” (Mr. Cridland was evidently unaware that the approval had already been obtained.) “I think it will prove more satisfactory to have it there than in any other part of New Zealand I have seen or heard of, from a variety of causes that combine, in a peculiar manner, every essential for such an established under-taking. There are no natives to disturb their occupation or interrupt their progress a single day. There is a splendid port, free from the slightest danger, perfectly secure, easier of access and better adapted for commercial purposes than even Port Nicholson, on nearly its opposite shore of Cook’s Straits. There is deep water in every part of the harbour, available for wharves, quays, etc., To crown all, there is an immense tract of level country available, well covered with grass, and watered with abundant, beautiful streams, embracing an area of forty miles wide, and three or four times as long, within six miles of the port, easy of access by several routes. The soil is equal in average with the Hutt as regards quality, free from inundation or danger, and ready for the plough. There may be considered an insufficiency of timber, which in New Zealand has been felt rather a drawback in the shape of expense and clearing. There will be no struggle here to conquer the dense forest, which has so often terminated in disappointment, and which compels the labourer to wait years before he can obtain a sufficient return to remunerate his incessant toil. The Putarikamut“ (Putaringa motu, see Riccarton later) “or Serpentine River, runs through the entire district, is navigable for boats of eight tons to the end of the plains, and empties itself into the open sea at Port Rigamont, clear of any bar or shingle. The price of the land may appear high to purchasers, but in reality will be cheaper by one-half
