The Mokau.

The Mokau river is situated thirty-six miles to the northwards of the Waitara, and some eighteen miles beyond the Pariniuihi, or White Cliffs: presenting as they do an almost perpendicular face, approaching 900 feet in height, form a landmark visible from a long distance. In early days, the Maoris ascended to the high lands at a lower portion of the cliff by means of supplejack aids; and with a view of allowing cattle to be taken overland to Auckland, an attempt was made towards driving a tunnel on a gradual incline, but the outbreak of the war in 1860, unhappily stayed, not alone this venture, but brought all material advancement to a standstill. At the present time page 16 the ascent is effected by means of a zig-zag path, constructed by the Constabulary, under Captain Messenger. It is possible to avoid the climb by keeping round a bold headland, but there is a risk of being caught by the flowing tide. Several accidents are recorded from this source.

The river shares with most others the disadvantage of a shallow bar at its junction with the sea, with fairly deep water inside. Limestone, excellent clay, and coal, have long been known as existing in abundance, and a company is now engaged in the full developement of the entombed riches; the coal and lime are now finding a ready market in New Plymouth and elsewhere. The coal field is reported to be of vast extent, whilst the lime, both in quality and quantity is spoken of as all that could be desired. The country of the Mokau is rough and greatly broken, interspersed with valleys of some four to eight miles in area. The soil is good, with clay sub-soil, offering from the abundance of shelter from the winds, fertile spots for the growth of fruit and hops. A railway, from the structure of the country is a possibility.