ON THE TRAMP.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXX, Issue 31, 11 May 1916, Page 3

ON THE TRAMP.

(By Seedy'ess.) As anticipated, the heavens opened up on the return from Murchison, and as the road practically lies in a valley for the -whole seventeen miles, the clouds hung very low, and we were reminded that it could rain in other places than Stratford. The following day was a beautiful one, and We wore out early for the long ride to the lake, leaving the. main road and crossing a newly-constructed bridge. We ambled along a now-formed road for about a quarter of a mile when wo struck the bridle track through a large birch forest, and signs of the pioneer were soon in evidence, road pegs, and section pegs all along for about iotu miles, when we came on the first selection started in tins, a hew block. All the sections were taken up at from 17s Od to ‘2ls per acre, standing buslv. It seems a big price for the land now. Soon a new clearing, part felled, and the woman of the slab house, appeared in sight. I found out they were both middle aged, the man about 80, and bis wife about the same, but they were braving the life of the pioneer, and we wished them luck. Opposite was the usual bridge (a wire cable over the river) which was the only means of access two brothers have to thoii selection. We arrived at Lake ’Rotorua after a four-hour journey. Wo were soon ii the Government boat, and after :■ short pull over the bar of very shallow water, struck what is perhaps one of the most beautiful lakes in New Zealand, surrounded by hills clad with virgin bush ; it is truly -a beautiful spot. It was originally owned by a former member for Nelson', a Mr Kerr ; he was a groat sport, and endeavoured to stock the lake with wiiite fish which he obtained from America. Hi efforts, however, were fruitless. The lake teems with large eels of inline ; m size, which are very easily caught. All you have to do is to fasten a gr d sized shark hook on a long pole, .; 1 the lake being very dear, you .can easily gaff them from the boat, Tbe Nelson papers on one occasion published a statement that a boat was'chased by a large specimen, but the party escaped. We had.-quite an arsenal aboard, so felt quite safe. Rowing up the lake, you ran land on nice little beaches, or step into the forest—just as it suits you. Away on the top end of the lake rises a large chain of steep hills. One which is 8000 feet high is designated Mount Misery, and judging by its appearance, the name is well deserved. There is a short track over the hills to the .Howard goldfields, this is an alluvial field, and at present there are 200 men making a living winning the gold from placer claims. They are all doing well, some, of course, much hotter than others. The gold is very coarse, and fetches £3 18s an mince in Nelson. There is also a buyer on the field. We mot one miner who had some very fine specimens up to a If penny-weights each. The minors carry it in bottles—a tobacco box tied with string was one man’s store-room. When any largo quantities go out they have an armed escort. Miners are big-hearted men, full of optimism, and they toll mo “once a miner always a minor.” The district is full of minerals, and ns one man describes it; “Nelson was famous for Dapples, ’ops, and minerals.” I beard of one company who raised £BOOO in cash, spent £4BO in searching

for the leader to the main "oef, and then petered out. The balance of the capital wont in office expenses, directors foes, and other incidentals. 1 have heard of building companies doing the same thing! Wo arrived borne long after dark with tue spoils—one bag of eels. 1 Next night was the wml-off to the boys, and as wo wore invited, we drove seven miles to the Owen Town 'Hall, size about 18 x 12. There were 'over 00 present, including a contingent 'from Murchison, 22 miles away by 'motor ’bus. Soon the aecordeon

struck up, and they wore tripping the light fantastic, the M.C. keeping them into line by half-rights and lefts and sounding other terms which brought back the days of youth. My word they did enjoy themselves, as also did the Imbiqs! They have fine babies in that part of the Empire! A presentation of a wristlet watch and other useful things followed, and the recipient was only a casual worker in the district, hut no one is allowed to leave without a send off.,. . ... The next few days were spout in seeing the country. Then on Monday, a start was made for home. On Tuesday we left Nelson with Nelson’s 10th Reinforcements aboard. A holutay was declared in the city for two hours, and the Mayor (Mr Harley) said there were over 2(100 people on the wharf, but tbe number was underestimated. He addressed the troops, and told the people who started the war, when it ■ tarted, and who was responsible. Tbe ample did not sefenvastonished-at, :tne i nfornnition ho* '.gave thepiv 'They wore there to see their hoys and friends off, and did not seem much interested iu anything else. When the bo'ilt cast off (bcV did cheer, and, of course, we h:.d some of the reflected glory. Tbe ship quickly 1 beaded for the ..French Pass in glorious,. wgathor, and- 'we were s'djdh* -du slii'4nv'a^f-tpifefc- t

ton. . P'Vp;,','. ,1' iu i Hi, ! • • ■ ■ ■\ , v '* \ i-1 | I ' £'• I'-4 l Pictop'hhsj.a- nchv |l;eiTov--concrete* hVtliarf|,j flj-.t.bf’ fe(lwa;y department. Tb ha on A'of the finest, in New Zealand, and there is quite deep water anywhere. Most of the “Post” readers know of the beautiful Sounds. We saw Ship Cove, where Captain Conk careened bis boats for cleaning.: ;The AylipieLplace .is interesting. They have iDr line freezing works at P.ictoti and ijh,e largest liners can lay at the wharf. We were soon on our why to the Empire City, and after a brief stay, once more started for home. It is a glorious place for a holiday. The people are charming, foct, ami as a weary and tired, prob&bly-tferiiUlkyiio place equal to ru v oiir Dominion.