A RAMBLE IN THE COUNTRY.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1145, 12 September 1882, Page 2

A RAMBLE IN THE COUNTRY.

[By Red-Hot Spur.] According to promise “I took a little ramble in the country.” Taking it easy I arrived at Makaraka where it is almost needless to say there was a stoppage of course, this was not so much to refresh myself as it was to give the horse a drink. After having done both I started along the Waerenga-a-hika road, stopping at Mr F. Cardeirs at Makauri. This gentleman having cordially entertained me, afterwards kindly showed me round his premises and stable. This latter is a fine roomy building, lofty, and well ventilated, and possessing ample accommodation for tlie stud horses he advertises

for the coming season. The aristocrat of the collection is, of course, Edward James, by Papapa, out of Hatred. He is a perfect model of symmetr”, and looked extremely well. He was comfortably located in a large loose box, and, notwithstanding the playfulness he displayed on the Parade Ground on Saturday, was in the stable as quiet as a sheep. I next interviewed Auckland, who | looked as if he was thoroughly satisfied with I his apartment, as he certainly should. In a paddock to the right of the house Ticket of of Leave, looking as happy as possible, was quietly grazing in a well-grassed paddock. In another portion of the farm was old Carnival also looking remarkably well, and in first-class condition. Mr Carden has, in all, some forty acres with splendid feed so that owners of mares sending them to any of the entires above named may be certain they will be well treated and well looked after. Jimmy Redman is the stud groom, and as ho is known to be thoroughly < well up in this line is an addi- i tional guarantee that the mares entrusted to his care will be well looked after. After thanking Mr Carden I re-mounted, and proceeded to the Sir George Grey Hotel, where I met the burly host standing on the verandah. After partaking of a glass of lemonade ' we proceeded to the stables, where Mr Bur- ; nand kindly disrobed Director and The Cat. ■ i The former is rapidly gaining flesh, and is ; fast improving in appearance. He seemed to be in excellent health, and will no doubt, bar accidents, give a good account of himself at the coming meetings. The Cat seems to me handsomer every time I look at him, and yesterday he seemed a perfect picture. Although somewhat small he is a regular model, and as he has before proved that he possesses pluck, I am of opinion that with him Mr Bumand will in November pick up some of the crumbs offered. After bidding adieu to mine host I crossed over to the Waerenga-a- ; hika Hotel, and must certainly pay Mr W. Cooper, the landlord, a very high compliment for the very excellent dinner with which I was regaled. The food was cooked well, and served well. After satisfying the inner man I had a look outside, and spied Seagull being led about by W. Fox. This rapidly improving i animal looked well, and Mr Hepburn should ! with him secure a big jumping race some day. My next dart was to the race course i on “ The Island,” and I must confess I was ' astonished at the improvements which have ' been recently made. All the stumps and thistles within the course have been cleared away and the view now from the grand stand is uninterrupted, thus giving the spectators an opportunity of witnessing the running from start to finish. In addition to this great improvement in two spots wh.:re there were i hillocks the earth has buutt rcmovcl no that 1

the track is now perfectly level. The natural advantages possessed by ths AA aerenga-a-hika course in addition to the recent improvements will render it a favourite one with all sporting men and lovers of sport. The next move was along the river bank until the Repongaere crossing was reached. \A ith much trembling and fear this was safely negotiated and 1 wended my way in a direct line toward Mr Chambers’s residence. Along the road I could not help noticing the improved appearance of the several properties and the improvements still going on. The land is mostly under cultivation and the work of clearing going on Actively turning to the left I rode through Lavenham and Patutahi, ami observed that rapid strides were being made towards rendering these portions of the district flourishing and prosperous. There was one thing which somewhat marred the pleasure of the trip, and that was the horrid state of the roads on the other side of the Big Riveij; they are] simply abominable, and it was impossible to go at other than a walking pace. As I neared the bridge the nece?c'ty for protecting the rive.’ b .nk was clearly proved to me. Great masses of earth nave fallen away and in one place has ca ried away a large willow tree. This work is absolutely necessary and should be undertaken at once. Crossing the bridge and calling in just to say “good day ’ to Host Steggall, I started for town straight without further stoppage arriving safe and at your service, should you desire me to take another “ little ramble in the country.”