Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, MAY 20, 1893. Our Beach.

Manawatu Herald, 20 May 1893, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, MAY 20, 1893. Our Beach.

We hope that before long some energetic action will be taken to opan out nature's grand gift to this district — our beach. Without decrying other watering places we can fairly say that there is no spot within many miles of our inland neighbors, that can offer such a healthy pleasant spot as the beach between the Manawatu and Bangitikei rivers. The only drawback, which is a very great one, is, that there is no place near the sea, in which visitors can live in. Tents are not suitable for women or children, and therefore, if it is desired that a population shall be drawn there, some effort will have have to be made to erect suitable dwellings. This has been written and spoken about many times previously, but each year makes the proposal appear not only feasible but profitable. We have heard how people flock down to the Paikakariki and how they speak in raptures of the beach at that spot, if that pleases them, tancy how much more delighted they would be with the ten miles of smooth and gently sloping sand they would find at the mouth of the river. The settlers in Falmerston, in the bush districts of Ashurst, Woodville, Pahiatua and Danevirke, not forgetting Shannon, Levin, and the country round about, find, from experience, that for the preservation of health it is absolutely necessary to imbibe the ozone of the ocean. It is for us, who hold the key to the position, to say if we mean to unlock the same and obtain the gold which lies therein. It is a pity if some steps are not taken this winter to prepare for the summer's harvest of visitors, as every business firm in the town would directly benefit from- it. At the present we put this matterbriefly for the consideration of our readers, and should be glad to hear from them in reply. We think the time has come, and that a little energy would secure success. , It must be borne in mind that we

are not the only interested parties, as the settlers we have mentioned are likely to view the proposal with pleasure, but, we are the people to take the iuitiative. The position, near the mouth of the river is so exceedingly convenienc for visitors. Heads of families could send the family down, whilst they remained behind to attend to their business during the week, and yet have them within, what might be termed, hearing, as the telephone at the Heads puts it in communication, by telegraph, with the whole of New Zealand. This is a point of very much moment, and tells considerably in favour of any proposal to develop this holiday resort. Then, again, the Heads are reached by the shortest route to the sea shore to any competing resort, which is also a question that has to be considered by those taking a holiday, and again, the train service is very convenient in getting to the Heads on a Saturday and returning on a Monday morning. We have little doubt but that any proposal to, say,, erect a few two-roomed cottages, with one large room, which could be used as a general dining room, would meet with a strong support outside of the town. A capital of, say £2000 in one pound shares should be sufficient to make a fair start.