MR. DOBSON'S DISCOVERY OF A ROUTE OVER THE MOUNTAINS TO THE WEST COAST OF THE MIDDLE ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND

In the Lyttleton Times of October 14, 1857, appeared a report of an expedition by Mr. Dobson, the Provincial Engineer, along the river Huranui, and over a low saddle to where the waters began to run westward. It appears that a Maori path had been always known from the east to the west coast by the gorge of the Hurunui, at what is called Mount Noble, near Mr. Mason's station, Waitu, and from accounts of Maories, the existence of some level land in the interior had long been understood. A certain precipitous gulley in the gorge above mentioned, which the Maories crossed with flax ropes and ladders, has always been the obstacle to exploring expeditions in this direction. Mr. Dobson endeavoured to find a passable road for horses along this route, and with Mr. Mason, Mr. Taylor of the Wairau, Mr. Dampier, a shepherd of Mr. Mason's, and I believe another man, attacked the precipitous gulley in question with spades and pick-axes. In four days a track was cut by which horses could be led from one side to the other, and the party pursued their way up the gorge, keeping a little above the river bank on the south side.

In a very short time they came upon flat land. This was the half-expected country, superior to their anticipations in many respects.