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A VISIT TO MAHURANGI.

NOTES IROM THE DIARY OF TOUR OWN COR

RESPONDENT.

Being advised by a few medical friends for the benefit of my health, I took a passage by the fast and powerful little steamship Lady .bowen, which left Auckland for the above on Thursday, 22nd, at 10 a.m., with a fine fair wind and eveiy prospect of a speedy passage. There was nothing of consequence or anything excitable so far to relate, with the exception of two or three passengers trying to fleece a poor innocent chieftain, well known at the Hot Spiings, at what they termed "a shilling in and the winner shouts,1' perhaps generally known as " Yankee Grab ;" but unfortunately for them, this individual appears to have travelled in steamboats before. 1 p.m.- At dinner, everyone happily engaged amidst the clattering of plates, knives and forks, &c, and popping of corks. .After dinner myself and a few passengers promenaded the fine quar-ter-deck of this magnificent boat, enjoying a really first-class Mahurangi cigar, made at the establishment of Mr Cowan, of Philipsville, which I must say are quite ,J equal, if not better, than the celebrated " Eagle brand " we hear of in Auckland. They are also very reasonable, as our worthy steward will inform you—twelve for a bob. 2 p.m.: arrived at Hot Springs. This appears to be a secluded but exceedingly healthy spot. There is also a first-class hotel pleasantly situated near the beach. The grounds surrounding the hotel have been tastefully laid out with ornamental trees, which gives the place a very beautiful appearance. I could gladly recommend any person, either healthy or otherwise, to visit this place, which for health and comfort cannot be excelled. 3 p.m.: Weighed anchor and proceeded on our voyage to Mahurangi, where we arrived at half-past six p.m. without any accident or escape of steam from any of the boiler tubes to mar the pleasure of our passage. 23rd : After a trudge of two and a-half miles, accompanied by a very dear affectionate sister, at times knee deep in what the young ladies here call "clean mud," I was introduced to an exceedingly kind family, residing at Happy Valley, where I was properly taken care of, and can assure you, dear readers, have since regretted being well again. 24th to 28th : Weather very fine. Borrowed a gun, etc., and went out for a day's shooting. Saw one bird—fired, but only made the feathers fly. The evenings passed by very pleasantly indeed. 29th: It is very wet and stormy to-day. Am afraid it will spoil this wonderful "clean mud" only to be seen at Mahurangi. 30th : Weather changed ; very fine, and sun scorching. Assisted the young ladies in a little gardening. In the afternoon walked to the township, and visited the building-yard of Mr William Southgate, where a large cutter was being built for the Mahurangi trade. 31st : Weather still very fine.. Everything passed off, as usual, very pleasantly indeed. August Ist: Being Sunday, stayed at home. It is very cold and squally. Found the fire the best place. 2nd : This being my last day, I had to make the most of it. Accompanied by the young ladies, called on a few friends to say goodbye, and have just time to catch the steamer at the township. Am obliged to leave this happy vale of blessedness, ?nd with a parting adieu, I left a happier and kinder family you will not meet with in this universe. Once more od the road, at the same time heartily wishing the Lady Bowen would founder at her moorings or leave without me, but was sadly disappointed on my arrival at the township to find I was just in time for a ten hour rough and tumble, and cannot close without saying that 1 have never enjoyed myself so much before, and to thank my dear friends at the Vale of Happiness for their kindness and attention to me during my stay with them. Thus ended my very pleasant and happy visit to Mahurangi, arriving at Auckland at 7 p.m.

Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS18750807.2.17

Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka

Auckland Star, Volume X, Issue 1707, 7 August 1875, Page 4

Word count
Tapeke kupu
677

A VISIT TO MAHURANGI. Auckland Star, Volume X, Issue 1707, 7 August 1875, Page 4

A VISIT TO MAHURANGI. Auckland Star, Volume X, Issue 1707, 7 August 1875, Page 4

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