A Suggested Hawke's Bay Route.

It is rather curious to recall the fact that simultaneously with the exploration of the Central route via Taumarunui an attempt was made to find a rail route through the heart of the Island to the East Coast. A reconnaissance survey was made along a proposed alternative line of railway from Hastings, near Napier, to Te Awamutu, a distance of 170 miles. This survey was carried out by Mr. G. P. Williams, who reported on it to the Engineer-in-Chief for Public Works, in May 1884. The reconnaissance line crossed the ranges at an altitude of 2600 feet, at a point 64 miles from Hastings, crossed the Waikato River near the Huka Falls, thence went by way of the Waipapa, the Whakamaru Range, the Mangakino River, and the Waotu district, thence through the King Country to the Puniu River and Te Awamutu.

A great part of the route was through very rugged and difficult country; and “with regard to the capabilities of the route for supporting a line passing through it,” the surveyor reported, “I am afraid I cannot speak favourably.” He estimated the approximate cost of construction at £1,200,000. Mr. Williams was not without his Maori obstruction troubles; he was several times ordered back, but he managed to get through without any active resistance.

He recorded his thanks to the chiefs Hitiri te Paerata, of the Ngati-Raukawa tribe, and to Rewi Maniapoto, and also to Major Scannell, in command of the Armed Constabulary at Taupo. One of the incidents of the exploration of the King Country portion of the route was an ascent of the tapu mountain Titiraupenga, in West Taupo, the highest peak of the Hurakia Range, 3450 feet. This mountain and several other peaks climbed in order to fix positions by compass bearings had never previously been ascended by white men.

Williams' report was convincing proof of the unsuitability of the King Country-Hawke's Bay route, and no more was heard of it.