HILLEND.

Clutha Leader, Volume IV, Issue 188, 15 February 1878, Page 6

HILLEND.

[from a correspondent.] A glance over this district at once shows the industrious and painstaking character of the inhabitants. Though a comparatively short space of time has elapsed since ifc was settled, yet, in general, everything has been well and substantially done. We can observe by looking at the well laid off farms, strong fences, handsome dwellings, neatly built and finished steadings, that the owners are the proper sort for colonists — a hardy, sturdy, and experienced community of farmers. A large area of waving corn, in general very rank, promises an abundant harvest, which, if secured without damage, will amply repay the labour bestowed upon it. The turnip-hoeing is over, and the fields promise a large return. Farmers are busy driving . coals, or timber for building purposes. Some very handsome buildings have been built lately, and others are about to be erected. At the election of a new School Committee held in the schoolroom, seven competent members were returned with nearly an . equal number of votes. Before the meeting closed a vote of thanks was proposed to Mr A. King, the retiring chairman, for his kind services, besides acknowledging his ability during office. Mr King briefly replied, wishing the Committee all success and honour in their efforts to improve the interest of the school. The chairman of the present Committee is Mr D. Campbell, whose interest in the school will no doubt make him a watchful observer of its grievances in order to promote its welfare. The parents of the district, especially the, mothers, deserve all credit for the manner in which they have stimulated the children to excel, and thus assisted the teacher, by so liberally subscribing money for prizes. Almost £5 were collected at the children's homes and from other friends ofthe school. With this sum a number of large and valuable books have been obtained, which wili be distributed at the breaking up for harvest holidays in a few weeks. Hares are steadily increasing in number. When the proper season comes in sportsmen will find an abundance of game in and around the district... Some of the more thoughtful farmers are beginning to study the breeding of the greyhound, as well as the best means of preserving valuable trees from being destroyed by the hare. This district, standing so high as it i does, commands an . extensive view of the surrounding, country. By travelling along the district road a position may be taken that will enable one to take a view df the flats of Tokomairiro and the Tuakitoto lake, with the train cheerily steaming* its -way alohg v the shore.. We can also see Kaitangata-

stretching*, along* the. hill side. near the head of the lake, covered with a cloud of dark smokefrom its coal-heapecl fireplaces, which seemis to show the bustle of the little town as it rises; in to imports rice by the wealth of its coal ancl the new industries opening* up. And now before us like a richly coloured picture lies the valley of the Olur-hsi, studded with comfortable white dwellings peeping out through noble trees and native vegetation, and standing in the middle of fields of pasture clad in the never failing We follow with our eyes the serpentine course of the river varied so beautifully with patches of evergreen tre* s, waving corn, or clover fields, till we see Port Molynenx, dim and hazy in. the distance, at the head ofthe bay, Further down the coast Nug*g*et Point is descried, with the lighthouse overlooking ! those tempestuous wavps and rugg*ed rocKs. Looking in a north- westerly direction we see the district of Puerua, rough and broken into flax and fern- ! covered ridges, enlivened by patches of bush and cultivated lands. Following up the range of hills Waitepeka next comes in sight, then Warepa, by far •"he prettiest spot, lying- as it does basking under the shelter of the hills. The line of bright evergreens that cover the face of the hill, with the snugwhite cottages and buildings studded along the front, these -with all their surroundings indicate happiness and prosperity in every portion of the district. Keeping* the range of kills in sight, and gazing in the same direction, we see Kaihiku, a rich and thriving district. By travelling along the road from where our first position was taken up we catch a glimpse of Clinton and the large and wavy plain all around ; but the haze thickens, the sun begins to sink, and we homewards wend our way, convinced that such a panoramic view as is to be seen from Hillend is seldom to be met with in this or any other country.