MAKARAKA.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume III, Issue 324, 13 November 1875, Page 2

MAKARAKA.

(from an occasional correspondent). There are many places in New Zealand that are remarkable for progress and industry, as well as for choice of situation, and lovliness of scenery; but none, I think, more preferable in these respects, than the township of Roselaud, better known as Makaraka. The proprietor of the Roseland estate, Mr. Thomas U’Ren, has recently made various improvements thereon, and it is now a most delightful place of residence. His pleasure gardens are unsurpassed in the district; and as he is about to construct shower and plunge baths, as additional attractions to the gardens, I have no doubt they will be largely visited during the summer. I notice that Mr. Higgins of the Shel bourne Hotel has nearly completed a magnificent bathing house, on his premises, which will be supplied by water from his artesian well, which is known to contain curative properties. Mr. Higgins will have his baths completed as soon as he receives from Mr. Garry, of Napier, some piping necessary for them. Mr. Higgins is also erecting a large building for a Native Land Court, which will accommodate upwards of three hundred persons. This building he intends to place at the disposal of the Government, without making any charge for it. Makaraka is considered a central place for holding the Native Land Court, and much more convenient for the natives than Gisborne is. He is also about to erect large sale yards, which are expected to be completed in about a month hence. These yards will, I have no doubt, prove a remunerative speculation to Mr. Higgins, from his having a large paddock close to them, which he intends to throw open to the natives, for their horses, during the sitting of the Land Court. Mr. Evans has opened a store at the corner where everything, from a needle to an anchor, can be purchased at Gisborne prices. Mr. Mclntosh of the same place supplies the very best of beef at reasonable prices. lu fact I havenever seen better meat than he sells. He deserves to be patronised. Mr. Gray’s saddler’s shop adjoining is noted for its good workmanship generally, especially for the neatness of the repairs executed there. I hear that Mr. Higgins has leased a piece of land to Mr. Trimmer, for a baker’s shop, which is much needed in this township. I am also informed that arrangements are being made for the establishment of a blacksmith’s shop here, where there is an excellent opening for one; in fact at Makaraka there is ample scope for trades of various kinds, but the difficulty of procuring building sites in the township is’cohsidered a great drawback.