J.B.A. Acland describes roading needs

Archives reference: CAAR 19936 CH287/CP 29, ICPS 990/1862, J.B.A. Acland to Provincial Secretary - recommendations public work near Orari - 4/08/1862

The correspondence contained in the Canterbury Provincial (CP)papers documents the administration of government during the period 1853-1877. During this time the delineation between public and private concern was muted, as settlers strove to build the colony.

The Provincial Secretary was the most important civil servant of the Provincial Government, and his office was its hub. His inwards correspondence is a very valuable part of Archives New Zealand's holdings, covering all possible facets of the Provincial Government's activities - immigration, education, charitable aid, health, public works (until 1864), goldfields, justice and so on.

J.B.A. Acland was active in the Mt Peel community and his correspondence with the Provincial Secretary reveals his interest in improving amenities and within the district. He was also a member of the Mt Peel Road Board and actively sought government support for roading measures in Mt Peel.