ON THE EAST COAST.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 954, 29 July 1903, Page 4

ON THE EAST COAST.

FROM OPOTIKI TO TAURANGA,

(By Our Special Correspondent.) No. 11.

Leaving Matata wo journeyed along the sea Coast road for a number of miles, passing several large holdings, the parts of which were improved showed to what advantage the growing of crops and grass could be carried on. Suddenly our road turned inland, winding its way across valley and swamp, first rising over a small hill and then descending through manuka and fern. We travelled on for about twenty miles through a very thinly populated district. We then entered tho well populated and famous district, rejoicing in the name of To' Puke. Here we noticed numbers of well attended farms and bright homesteads. From the number of dairycreameries we passed we concluded that dairying operations were keenly prosecuted here. On conversation with several farmers they confirmed our conclusions, at the same time adding that To Puke and district was admirably adapted for dairying and cattle-raising. A factory is erected at Te Puke, and its output is assisted to a great extent by the support accorded to the creameries. We noticed some nice crops of swedes, also some fine crops of maize. The country is admirably adapted for the fattening of sheep and cattle, especially the latter. In close proximity to To Puke township the New Zealand flax industry is exhibited in the shape of a thriving milling plant. This is kept going daily and thus employs a number of hands, both European and Native. I notice the Natives along this Coast are a really hard-working lot. They have plenty of energy and are very intellectual, but still these Natives hold large areas of land uncultivated, which would be more to tho interest aud productiveness of the colony if thoy were sold or let to Europeans to deal with. Settlement right throughout the Bay of Plenty is very much retarded by Native lands, and although the Bay of Plenty has a fine lot of settlers who could perform wonders, their efforts are frustrated on account of this land question. They are at present quite powerless to help themselves, hence thoy remain isolated from the outside world, and their products are insufficiently attended to by commercial agents, shippers, etc. From Te Puke township we journeyed along the main road to I’auraDga, and passed numerous crops of maize, also numbers of dairies. At length from an elevated position we beheld tfie quiet town of Tauranga in the distance. The town itself is built upon a* kind of a peninsula, most of which is considerably above the bright blue sea. Tauranga has a nice and pretty little harbor, and receives attention in shipping circles from Auckland, while her inland commercial interests extend to Waihi and Botorua. To both places Tauranga is connected by good coach services. When there we saw a very large shipment Df general goods arrive from Auckland, which forcibly reminded us that the wharfage accommodation was poor and scanty. At times it was almost impossible for passengers to proceed on to the wharf in safety, whilst the goods traffic was completely paralysed, carriers tumbling over each other. With one man we saw the blood flying freely, and all this on account of insufficient accommodation or bad management. Tauranga is on the eve of a large expansion of trade, and to meet this increased trade the 20 years ago wharf and the two penny half-penny management is not sufficient to cope with its requirements. Tauranga as a town is “ dead slow ”in its methods, and general management is 15 years behind the times. Nevertheless the lands around Tauranga are all real and capable of producing anything. Capitalists throughout New Zealand in soarch of good farms, easy to work, and easy of access, could not do better than pay atention to Tauranga, which, next to the Gisborne district, is to be recommended. The inhabitants of Tauranga are genial, contented, and a hospitable lot, and it would be hard to find a more social and friendly people. I am quite satisfied that the people of Poverty Bay and the Bay of Plenty are as well-to-do if not better off financially than any other parts of New Zealand, although their access and communication are against them. If the Native land question could be properly settled, I feel sure in assuming that the East Coast farming population would more than double itself, as the whole district is capable of enormous productions, and there is no place in the colony where such cheap and good lands are to be obtained. Begarding the abominable river crossings, these are matters that should receive immediate attention from the Government, as annually many lives are lost. To bridge these rivers it would possibly cost upwards of £50,000, but the advantage both to the colony as a whole and settlers in particular would be considerable. Then there is the Ohiwa harbor to be dealt with. If bridging is impossible surely some other safe remedy could be applied for crossing. Within this year Ohiwa has claimed no less than three people to a watery grave. The road from Tauranga to Opotiki and Gisborne deserves special attention as it is the main road connecting the throe districts—Poverty Bay, Bay of Plenty, and Waikato. Its importance is coming more freely under notice, owing to the increased traffic. After staying a short time in Tauranga and visiting the outlying districts, we returned, but on my second day’s journey I met an obstruction at Whakatane. The ferryman landed me and my horse across the river with safety, but refused to pilot my buggy over for the day, or until the rise of the tide, so I had to be content to stay at Whakafane for a day longer. However, to make the best of a bad job I visited the Maori peace meeting (Empire Day), and well enjoyed myse*

I was afterwards invited to the native dance at night, and also to a European dance. I gladly accepted both invitations. To see the hearty manner in which both young and old natives entered into danc-

ing, step-dancing included, was quite a contrast to our average European dance, Motu excepted. Altogether we had a really pleasant trip from and to Gisborne, and only wait anxiously for the time to arrive for another tour.