29 February 1872

While here I drove over the course of the Railway, of which two or three routes had been proposed and 2 of them surveyed. Public Meetings were to be held on the matter, – so that it is clear the notice which I received when at Taupo informing me the plans were ready, was all nonsense; they were not ready. I was again struck with the fertility of the land and the immense amount of stock it carries per acre. The fact is that the lands it too rich, and “ossifies” the bone of the sheep and cattle causing decay. page 83 Napier has is a quiet little Town and has most beautiful fruit. Several gentlemen live on the Rock which forms the Head or Bluff. The “Iron Pot” is the port below, in which Vessels of 10 feet only can enter as a rule, all others are obliged to lie off and be “tendered”.