BACK FROM OHURA.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 45, 23 February 1914, Page 6

BACK FROM OHURA.

‘‘A GLORIOUS HOLIDAY.” BAGKBLOCKS AND COMMERCE IN UNISON. After four days’ ideal tourist weather, during which the country in the Ohura and the Taugarakau Gorge were seen under the most favorable conditions, part of the party under the auspices of the Stratford Chamber of , Commerce returned to town by this afternoon’s train from Whangamomona. The party split up at Ohura, half going on to the Main Trunk line, which was to be joined at Okahukura, and proceeding down to Wanganui, while the others (Messrs Richards, Hewitt, Cameron, White. Priest and the “Post’’) man comprised the, home-comers. The excursion into Our Hinterland was an eyeopener to every member of the party —those who ‘‘had been through the country before were surprised at the signs of progress in settlement and the newly-initiated were enthusiastic therewith, while ail agreed that im-

mense possibilities were in store in the pastoral and dairying industries throughout the whole district. The

famous Tangarakan Gorge was a picture of loveliness. It is a scenic asset or the Dominion that is bound to he recognised by the Tourist Department in an ever-increasing manner as 'the years roll on. Those members ol the party who did the return journey unanimously voted that the Gorge is seen to better advantage than when travelling the other Tv ay. Despite

the roads at certain season; of the year, the Taugarakau Gorge is spoken of as the best tourist drive in the Dominion. Be this as it may, those people within measurable distance of the George—and Stratford residents

need spend only four days as the Chamber of Commerce party managed their excursion—should make this glorious holiday as soon as possible. Reverting to the present mission on the part of the Chamber of Commerce, readers will remember that their arrival at Ohura was previously stated to be Friday evening. The same night an impromptu smoke concert provided a capital introduction for all, and the visitors gleaned some insight into the characteristics of the sturdy and progressive specimens of manhood who ? had gone out into this country in its primeval state And, incidentally, it was discovered that the King Country is not so dry as the conclusion of some outside people would have us believe. On Saturday morning the Settlors’ Association gave the visitors an opportunity to visit Niho N»ho ami Mafietcl returning to Ohura late' in' the aftoji rloon. At Ave’s 3ridge House in tl)0 evening a complimentary dinner wftb attended, and some interesting home-

truths were disclosed in the course of the speeches delivered round the festive board. But of*these more anon. Suffice to say, the evening proved most enjoyable and instructive, and out of Which much good must result both tq the district and to the Stratford end of a line that has set up Taranaki and Aucklnd in competition. Mr “Torn” Moore, coach proprietor; is a big factor in the dissemination of knowledge concerning the, Ohura, his splendid coach service oetween Okahukura and . Whangamomona being entertained at no inconsiderable cost. Our

visitors feel much indebted to Mr and Mrs Moore for their many kindnesses, Mrs Moore, not Mr Moore, as mentioned in Saturday’s paper > came from Ohura to the half-way house in the Tangarakau Gorge and met the party with a splendid laid-out lunch. His Worship the Mayor secured many photographic mementoes of the journey and these will be on view in the course of a few days.