In this letter of 10 April 1865 to John Hall, Canterbury’s secretary for public works, George Dobson records his conclusion that Arthur’s Pass is the best route across the Southern Alps.
Minchin’s Station April 10th 1865
West Coast Road
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that after a careful
examination of the country between the Waimakariri &
Taramakau I have come to the conclusion that Arthur’s
pass is the most practicable one in the range.
I enclose a list & description of the different
passes explored by me during the last month.
I am now going, by appointment, to my father’s camp at
Arthur’s pass, to inform him of the result of my
exploration, and to render any assistance he may require
from me, after which I shall return to Christchurch with
as little delay as possible, and shall there be able to
give you a more detailed account of my exploration, than
I can do in writing from here
I send you this letter by Matthew Russell who has
accompanied me during the whole of my journeys, and have
directed him to call at your office in case you should
have any letters to send to me.
I have the honor to be
Sir
Your obedient servant,
George Dobson.
The Hon John Hall
Secretary for Public Works
Christchurch
Using this item
Christchurch Regional Office, Archives New Zealand - Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Reference:
CH 287, CP 194, ICPW 528/1865
Permission of Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga (Christchurch Regional Office) must be obtained before any re-use of this material.
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