Manawatu Heral. SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 1893. Sea View.

Manawatu Herald, 19 August 1893, Page 2

Manawatu Heral. SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 1893. Sea View.

♦ ■ Just now the mere mention of water appeavs most unnecessary, there being so much in evidence, but the time will soon come when the sight of water in quantity will be a decidedly refreshing sight. Some little time ago we mentioned that probably some action would be taken to popularise the valuable property Foxton possesses in the sea beach. We are glad to say that the promoters have not been idle and the proposals are becoming more ship-shape, and will before long be laid before the public As years roll bye it has become evident that our neighbours residing in the bush districts find a continued residence there, especially in the summer,

very lowering to their constitutions, and that a change to the bracing sea air is most important. To supply this want, establishments have born formed at Wanganui and at Paikakariki, but, owing to di-> tance, they are not taken such full ..ajh';in.tage.of_by the residents of the surrounding counties. It becomes evident therefore, that accommodation at the mouth of the Manawatu livt-r shonld-bs most popular. -9! he distance by rail from Woodville, Feilding mid Psxlmerston is within thirty five miles, and the great convenience ?xists of there being telegraph .communication close to the spot the promoters purpose erecting buildings. Settlers would be able to send their families down to enjoy the sea breeze and the beautiful stretch of level sands whilst they continued their attention to business, reassured that immediate notice would be received if they were needed. The late train on Saturday would enable them to spend Sunday at the seaside with their families and the early morning train on Monday would place them at their duties in good time. So much as to the means of travel. The position proposed practically affords the choice to visitors of using either the river or the sea, and the establishment which is to almost adjoin the pilot's residence will offer to the timorous the great advantage of their being able to obtain his advice on the state of the tides, river, bar, and all other nautical subjects. The suggestions of the promoters, as yet, are, that two cottages of two rooms each, one cottage containing three rooms, and a large building twenty feet by forty feet should be erected. The cottages to. be placed in a line on one side of a square, very fully detached, with the idea of placing other cottages opposite to them. The large building to be placed on cne side of the square, standing by itself, and is to be divided, into one large room twenty feet square, to be used as a general 'dining "and sitting room, and four bedrooms suitable tor single men. The building would also contain quarters for the caretaker. The buildings are proposed to be built of timber and roofed with iron, the outer walls to be rusticated and the inner walls matched-lined, so that very tight and comfortable buildings they should be. The idea has not yet been thoroughly worked out, but the desire of the promoters is that the caretaker should be a sufficiently good cook so as to undertake the catering for visitors at a' reasonable .price and thus save them an always unpleasant duty, especially when away from home. In addition to this first necessary work, the promoters propose providing means whereby the whole advantage of a holiday can be obtained by those who patronise the establishment. They intend to provide two good serviceable, but light boats which may be hired, also fishing tackle, and" the caretaker would be instructed to give his advice as to the best sites foi fishing and baits to be used as the seasons alter, A bathing machine is also proposed, which would probably be on the river bauk, but then the river, at high tide, is as salt as the sea, and the water is smoother and so safer. The promoters, if they get all their own way are evidently far seeing, a3 they have got the promise of a lease of the property, and purpose fencing a paddock just to keep horses in for a night, but the feeding would have to be attended to by the' visitors, as good grass is not a speciality just in that neighbourhood. As it is looked upon as being a resort for families the wants of the little ones are not to be overlooked, and swings, merry-go-rounds, and other playthings will be provided. The proposals are very tempting, and, if properly managed, should be very paying. Anyhow whether there is money in the actual undertaking or not, there is money for the town, as such an establishment, within three miles, as we have sketched, must be to every business man's. advantage. To- look at the matter ; as though 'already" erected, the surprise will be that if has been delayed "so 'long. Residents of the town and neighbourhood would gladly welcome a spot on the seashore to which to scud their families in the broiling summer weather, and it w^uldbe satisfactory ;t6 know tfeatr such accommodation was obtainable. The promoters have got much to do, and not too much time to do it in, and we hope that every assistance will be given to them by the residents of Foxton, as we know it will be by the residents of the other towns we have named.