MAKATOTE.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 9, 21 December 1906, Page 3

MAKATOTE.

The new train service to Raurimu now affords ample time for tourists and others to pay a visit to Makatote and return to Taumarunui the same day. By leaving Taumarunui by ballast train at 7.15 a.m. and arriving in Raurimu at 10 a.m., one can then take a coach, which passes over the Waimarino plains, giving passengers a magnificent view of the great chain of mountains, which comprises Tongariro, Ruapehu, Hahungatahi and Ngauruhoe, this last named mountain being an active volcano. Then passing through some beautiful bush the township of Makatote is reached about noon. After luncheon the traveller can visit the various beauty spots which surround the township, the most notable being the Makatote gorge. Leaving Makatote on the return journey at 2 p.m., there is ample time to look round the township of Raurimu before leaving by the 4.30 p.m. train, which arrives at Taumarunui at 6.30 p.m. Messrs Weller and Walton held a lantern service here cn Wednesday, 3rd December. On Sundry Mr Welter held Anglican Pc'h meetings were largely attended. Mr Weller has accepted a challenge from a local resident to deb?te cn a subject (to be chosen) early in the New Year.

I am gratified to state that the Manganui-o-teau bridge is now open for vehicular traffic, and coaches are jiow running Rauripiu and p.aeti}ii. On Saturday evening last, the Makatote minstrels gave an entertainment in Messrs Anderson's workshop, which was well attended by residents, some of whom came from a great distance. The first portion of the programme was of the usual halfcircle style. Mr E. Ryan acted as interlocutor, and the corner-men were : —Messrs Moore, McGrath, Dickie and Wheatley, who created roars of laughter by their comic songs and eccentric dancing. Messrs Anderson, Pink, Smith, Robinson and Ryan also Contributed items which were well applauded, and I may specially mention that " Baby " Beck brought down the house by his clever and amusing antics. In the second part Mr Warsop contributed " The Sailor's Sighs," Mr Bateman "The Village Blacksmith," Mr Weller " The Diver," Mr Burnip " Like your Dad," and had to answer four encores before the audience were satisfied. The performance concluded with a farce entitled "The Doctor," which successfully closed a most enjoyable evening. Mr E. Turner acted as accompanist. The performers were entertained to supper by Mrs A. and the Misses Anderson.