ROUND AND ABOUT.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 30 January 1915, Page 2

ROUND AND ABOUT.

(By "Wanderer.") . GALE IN THE CHANNEL. I A lengthy residence on Kapiti Island is apt to becoino monotonous, and it. was therefore with considerable pleasure that I hailed the advent of the genoral election, which necessitated my presence on tlio mainland to record my vote. I might just say enp-assant that some arrangement should , be made to allow'voters to record their vote here. For instance, I and a few others were fortunate enough to cross in the Royal Water the day previous to the election as also were the Watson Bros, in the Lass O' Aberdeen, but » party from the Government House, who postponed crossing till the morning of the polling day had to pnit back as the Governor's yacht could not face Slie stormy weather, consequently certain votes wore lost.

AT PAEKAKARIKI. Having receded my vote I made for Packakariki, the seldom-over sunshine city, and what a change I found there. A veritable "mushroom town" on a perpetual motion Basis. Houses in all directions, built and being built, a fine hotel, tennis courts, aquatic club, a fine church, wTTich—unlike other country places of worship of a like denomination, on a Sunday nearly empty —has a large attentive congregation. This church has also a carefully-trained choir, reflecting credit on a zealous and painstaking organist. There is a fountain erected to the memory of the late lamented 1 S. Smith. The town has two fine stores, Mr L. Short and Mrs Kidd, the respective proprietors doing a roaring trade; while the post office entrance is a redezvous for small talk and gossip. The Railway Department here seems always in a flutter of work : trains here .trains there, trains always, and yet, notwithstanding all, the visitor or enquirer moots with courtesy and civility from the officials. Taking tho main road 1 passed Mr •Smith's beautiful •residence, next Mr Holtoni's, where the perpetual motion business seems to bo carried out in an orthodox manner from early morn to dewy eve; but then both stock and crops seem to repay the labour. The farms all along this roadi look well and the sheep in real good condition. "Emerald Glen," the residence of Mr Ossian Lynch, is now reached from here. Two of Mr Lynch , s stalwart sons are now in Egypt ready to do or die' for the Motherland. Making up the Valley Road some fine country is in view, with mostly sheep. There are also dairy herds and milking machines. "Rosodale," Mrs Drewett's pretty place is to be admired; next Mr Corduke's. PARAPAR.AUMU. From this gentleman's place « good view is obtained' of the I'araparaumu rifle range. Not so long since this rifle club was one of the best in the entire province. It had' as members then such crack shots as Whiting Bros., C. Corduke, Lynchs, and Duffy. Tt still remains a club not to be despised, and those veterans of the rifle. C. Dowsett, 0. Lynch, Hyde, Cordnkes and Vaugban can still be relied upon. Dilkoosha, where resides Mr M. Lynch, J. P., one of Paraparaumu's most pop'.irar residents is now met. From here also has gone forth a son of the house, Erie to fight under the tern-leaf banner oil behalf of the Old Country, another Irish name to be iinscribed on the roll ot honour.

Paraparaumu has sent her quota of men and money, and has set a noble example for other places to follow. What a pity, in such a thriving, prosperous and popular summer resort, to see the once beautiful "Consulate" now deserted and sheep running over the oucc-trim lawn and well-kept flower-beds and gardens.

A little further on is Willow Bank, where resides the gKinial "Oliajrlio" Dowset and family. Andrew Jack's brass foundry is likewise to bu seen close by. Mr Jack's work is known all over the Dominion.

Now we are in Paraparaumu township with its tine public school, over which Mr Vaughan rules, three Churches, tile Coronation Hall, erected ! by that enterprising young resident, Mr S. Weggery; a handsome vicarage and Sunday school hall, a post oifico and store combined. Then Mr Fisher's "White House," Mr Heffor's motor and carriage factory. Several new private residences, Mr M. Fisher's being amongst the latest.

As a summer resort Paraparauniu. is unequalled. A splendid climate, a beach second to none in the North Island, orchards, tennis court, public park and cricket ground—what more can Iro weary city man require to enjoy his holidays? At present Jlnjili House is full. Indeed, this season, the pro prietor, Mr Wise, had to take over another house to meet the requirements

of visitors. In my next letter my round tour will be continued to Waikana-e.