Westward Ho!

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 9, 27 May 1893, Page 12

Westward Ho!

[By Traveller.]

Afteran absence of several years, I took a run. on Wednesday last to the snug little township of Orepuki. The morning gave , promise of “ Queen’s weather,” but those who wended their way to the station in'expectation of a fine day, were rather disappointed, as it turned cold with an occasional shower as the day advanced. After a somewhat chilly ride of over two hours Riverton was reached, where a number of the good people of the Western town were in waiting to receive their visitors (who included a team of the Invercargill City Guards). Yiewed from the train platform, Riverton looks much, the same, though of course it is hardly fair to judge it from that “ standpoint.” Passing Colac, it is noticeable that things are “ booming ”on a small scale. Two sawmills arc in full swing, and a few new residences are going up. Our train, which has been creeping along as if it was frightened of “ getting there ” too soon, now puts on a slight spurt, and we begin to feel that we may possibly reach Orepuki after all! The broad acres of Mr Gf. Printz, on which large numbers of sheep are peacefully browsing, are passed. Prom the Pahia station the homesteads of several farmers are noticeable, including those of our old townsman, Mr D. 'Southron, and his family, which look very snug against the hilly background. The commmodious residence of Mr Hirst, a very old resident, is also seen from the train. Within a short distance of our destination two cows blocked our passrge on a cross-bridge, which caused a stoppage till their cowships thought fit to move on. By the way, I was struck with the number of fine-conditioned cattle in the district. They have plenty of freedom. In fact some of the more daring ones will challenge your right to walk through the “ principal"” street of Orepuki! But to resume. Orepuki was duly reached, and in a shower. A team of the I.P.G. (who had come to meet the local players) seemed in excellent fettle, and Tory shortly after arriving were in earnest combat for supremacy with the local men, who, though they suffered a slight defeat, nevertheless played a determined game throughout. The state of the ground was rather a drawback to the players. There is a striking difference between a country match and a town one. In the country (at least at Orepuki) there was an absence of the unpleasant features that are apparent in at least some town matches, while “ barracking” was entirely wanting. The majority of the population seemed to be present, and it was surprising to see the interest evinced in the game by some of the women folk (some of a good old age) who followed up every turn of the ball with commendable agility—surely an indication that they contemplate taking to the game themselves ! The next time I visitOrepuki I shall look out fo r the “ O.W.F.Cd* Though our time was short, we made the most of it, and were kindly shown over some claims and other places of interest, thanks to the courtesy of some Orepukians. I wonder why the Railway Department do not give better inducement to visit this holiday resort? A cpiick train and cheap fares would do it. There are various places of interest, and there is always the magnificent beach, with old ocean rolling in, where the strong and the debilitated can alike revel in the cool and genial air, tempered by the breeze, and drink in the ozone to their heart’s content.