This photograph shows the access road into the Kahuterawa Valley where bush felling in preparation for farming was taking place in the 1890s. Built in 1890, the original Kahuterawa Valley Road was a six foot track only useful for sledges and went for a distance of 78 chains. Another contract in 1892 saw the road lengthened another 5 miles and 32 chains. A deputation of locals petitioned the Fitzherbert Road Board in 1894 to upgrade the road to a width suitable for wagons and drays. This petition was successful and a team of 40 men, who camped near the Black Bridge for the duration of the work, were employed. This upgrade of the road made wool, timber and general farming much more efficient.