TIMARU TO RANGITATA.

Temuka Leader, Issue 210, 13 December 1879, Page 2

TIMARU TO RANGITATA.

GERALDINE.

Geraldine is the oldest to wnahip in the district that lies between the Rangitata and Timaru, the Chief Surveyor for tlie Provincial District of Canterbury having buiit -.011 occupied the lifc'.le baric cottage, which still looks so romantic, some twenty years ago. T : ><- little budding is opposite the- English Church, and is surrounded by native trees.' If it thould become necessary »t any time to remove it, it siiouiii he re-built wdhin the Public Domain, i\ud bhould be carefully protected ABii relict of the good old times.|The Geraldine district begum about tnree mies to the W* si of Winchester. Twelve to fourteen year* ago the whole land, on every side, was a sheep walk ; not even a building to be met with after cross ing the Wailii River. Now there are farms in every direction Mr Wm. Hawk's farm of some 40 acres, on the right, and Mr John Bell's, of 130 acres, on tlie left. ■ Mr Bell's is a dairy farm, and he iii«'s, beaidesthissection, 70 acres, North of the river. Mrs Bethumj also owns a 100 acre farm. Mr T. Quinn lias ">0 acres and other small lots. A little further on, towards Geraldine, is Mr A. Kelmau's, a farm of .600 acres freehold. On this farm is a field of the best wheat we have seen in any part of South Canterbury this season, reaching to nearly four feet high, partiy in ear. It is the of any crop we have seeu at this early date A field of oats also looks well. Mr Kelman has, altogether, about 190 acres in

wheat, 100 acres in oats, 100 acres in turnips and the rest in grass. The owner is chiefly a sheep farmer, and his histo-y in connection with Geraldinc is as follows: — A short time before the grevt flood of 1868 Mr Kelman bought a 50 acre section on the deferred payment system, undertaking to pay a land shark's price of £5 per acre at the end of fire years, paying heavy interest the meanwhile. The flood, however, carried away all the fences, and a large cobb house was completely swept away as well, while Mr Kelman, with hi 3 wife and family, .narrowly escaped being drowned. This led him to abandon the section and make a purchase of some 40 acres near by, but higher : ying. On this he commenced anew, and by dint of perseverance and steady habits he has been able to add section to section until lie has bevome the owner of the acreage we have named. The fences here, as ail along the road, are of gorse, only moderately well kept. There is also over 2 acres well planted with fruit -trees. The buildings are not in the best of order, the owner wisely resolving to secure the land first, and then buiid.a good house after. This lw has now set about. The farm has been worked by his boys and himself, and we feel sure no one will begrudge him his reward for so many years toil. We particularise, this farm as being a proof of what perseverance can do in the face of m.ost adverse circumstances o:ne a plan for plantations are carried out •the farm will be a credit to th« ownei in

many ways. To the S. of this farm, where, a few years ago,a forest of cabbage trees covered ti e lind, is the farm of Mr David Shaw ; also about 600 acres freehold. The residence is well sheltered by a blue gum plantation, which protects it from the S. W. winds. The cotiage has a warm appearance ; about 200 acres are in crop, the remainder in English grass ;» the land is good and well farmed ; the crops look strong and healthy ; water was scarce in some of the paddocks, and to supply this Mr Shaw sreoted two American wind pumps. Good roads intersect the farm in every direction. A little further southisan educational reserve of 600 acres, leased by Mr McShane, who is dohig ample justice to this public estate.

On the right, »s we journey westward, is to be seen, not far off, the Presbyterian Church Manse. Formerly it was the manse for the whole p-tvish from the Rangiiata to Burke's Pass ; now it belongs to the Gem Id no Parish alone. The Be v G. Barclay, minister of the parish, has long been the occupier. It is a two-storey building, and, being n raised ground, has a very appearance, but it would be improved by a verandah on the S. front. The nakod appearmco would be taken away if more tree-planting were gone on with. A belt is planted alongside the road, but the trees do not appear to make much progress. - This section, of 31 acres, was the gift of Mr Angus McDonald. There is a good entrance gate and a carriage drive, planted on both sides. As we draw towards Geraldine there is another educational reserve, leased by Mr Wilcox and Mr J. P. Wilson. Mr Megson's farm of 100 acres is also near the cross roads. A well-designed concrete cottage was built by Mr Megson, who shortly afier left for Ashburton. The cottage is at present occupied by Mr Mooro. Opposite the manse, on the south side of the road, is Mr A. MeKenzle'a farm. Here also is a magnificent w eat crop. Mr A. McKenxi* farms about 200 acres. Turning to i,he N.W., we pass the gardens belonging to the late Mr Smith, who was killed by a fall from his horse. The orchard and veget:dvo gardens are in good order. A few hundred yards more, and a stone bridge nve; a rapid creek introduces us to the town of Geraldine. Like all other towns, the beauty of this place is marred by its scattered appearance. On the South end there is what is called Henley's Town, so named from the original owner being a gentleman wf that name, who lived in Timarn. The land i 3 poor, and for a short distance along the main road or street there is nothing remarkable. A little fm-ther on is Maslin's Town. Mr Maslin's family are amongst the oldest settlers. Mr Maslin, by dint of industry, has attained a comfortable position. He keeps a general store, in conjunction with a butchery and bakery business. His store is of one storey—4oft frontage by 50ft. It has a good front, with large windows. Sis assi'jtJihta are employed in the. various departments, besides two dressmakers. Opposite i 3 Mr C. Treng'rove'B shoeing forge and Mr Perry's brewery. It has never done much business ; at preheat it is at a standstill, and the premises are in the market.

There are thi-ee hotels—the Eusii Inn, j built by M<- Perry, now belonging to Mr iT. Trengrovo. The building lias a neat : and comfortable appearance, having niue- ; teen rooms in the house—a commercial ; loom, 30ft x 16, a good dining room, and ! a number of comfortable bedrooms. I The Cvow-n Hotol t!:at originally belonged to Mr Johnßou,ig tiowowned by Mr

Robinson. This is a large two-storey hurtling of wood, fronting on a side street and the main road. There are over 20 rooms in tlio house ; theie is a billiard room upstairs ; the bar is in tlie corner. At the lime of our visit Mr Kobineon seemed to be doing a good business. The Geraldine Hotel is tlie oldest hotel in the town. It has changed hands many times, it is now owned by Mr K. Taylor. He lias under way a large addition in wood of two Btoies. When this is completed it will have more acwminodauoii than any other house in the town. The situation is good, and being a corner section on hi.ah -ground, it will have a commanding appearance. There will bo i : ail 30 rooms. The commercial room is 20ft x 16ft, and 12ft high. This addition Was nee 'ed, or the house to be closed, as the old building vvaa in a tumble-down state. In Geraldine there are six places of public worship—double the number of hotels, a very unusual thing in New Zealand. The oldest church, the Church of England, is a neat, substantial building of wood, with n square tower. The interior is very neatly fitted up. It is seated for about 100 worshippers. The Rev. Mr Preston is incumbent of the parish. The. Wealeyan and Primitive Methodist Churches aie both plain, wooden buildings. Both have weekly Sabbath services, but neither 1 ave a settled minister.

The Roman Catholic Church, nestled at tlie foot of the hills, and skirted by the bush, looks well. It is a square-built builuing, with a small spire, springing out of tlie roof.

To any stranger visiting Geraldine this would be taken for the Presbyterian Church, and the Presbyterian for the Roman Catholic Church. Father Fauvel, the Catholic priest in charge of Temuka, holds service at Geraldine twice a month. The Presbyterian Church, North of the town, tanding like the English Church, on the banks of ite River Waihi, has a verv attractive appearance. The building is iu the Gothic style, with a spire of about 40 feet, and is a timb- r building, built Bum:! years ago. It is seated for about iiiO. The Hev G. Barclay, clergyman of tiie parish, holds weekly service. Tliero ia to be found in.the Canterbury townships what is not to be found in the Otigo townships —.Jmosl every Presbyterian Church have instrumental music by org in or harmonium. The Plymouth Brethren have also a meeting-house. The Geraldine public school stands in about the middle of the town. This building has a respectable appearance,but, like all other schools, shows an absence of design at the first start. Mr Thomas Hughs, head master, was formerly at the Kakahu school, and only a few years out from England. Mr Hughs was elected second-master of the Tiinaru school, and it speaks well for Geraldine that Mr Hughs declined to leave it. Mr Thos. Kernahan, second master ; Miss Mary Mein, Mrs, Master Bethune, pupil " teacher. When Mv Hughs came to the school the average attendance was 67 • now it is 150 ; highest attendance, 170 ;or the books, 200. The iuterior of the school has a very pleasing appearance, especially the one class room, which is well ventilated. Some specimens of drawing, from examples on the black board, were really wonderful for such young boys. The play grounds are ralhei cramped, and the closet accommodation wrenched.

A private school for young gentlemen, kept by the P*ev. Mr Murray, has been closed, through Mr Murrny leaving for the North Island.

Geraldine possesses a Masonic Lodge, who are building a concrete hall in the south end of the town, the building to cost LiOO.

Alongside is tho Victoria Lodge of Oddfellows Hall, a nice building of wood. An eye-sore is that ; the buiidiug projects about. 6 feet further on to the street than the other building. The Masons are to blame for this, as they were the last to commence to build. It would li«ve made the Masonic Hall look much better if the from ages had been kept straight. Itisnoi a sign of good taste to have such buildings so near the street. There is also a Good Templars' Lodge. Other institutions are the Geraldine Road Board -Messrs W. Postlethwaite (chairman), William Deßenzy, F. 11. Flatirmn, W Slack, and Godsell, members. Th ire is a Public Park Board and a Cemetery Board ; two banks, the N.Z., Mo Nation, manager ; and the N.S.W. Bank, Mr Ackroyd, nrinager. Besides Mr Maslin's store, t!i'-re is two large si ores belonging to Mr Julius Mendelson. This gentleman has also a large granary in connection with the stores (which are built of brick), extending back nearly 100 ft, height of wnlls about 15 feet, roof of iron ; the interior of the store is fitted up well; it is very commodious. Messrs Morrison and Dunlop's stores have been long established. This firm do a miscellaneous business, drapery,grocery, ironmongery, and other lines. The store is in a nice situation, and was built by Messrs Brown and Plante. Messrs Morrison and Dunlop seem to do a good business.

There are ;ilso several small stores. Geraldine has a Post Office and Telegraph Office a mail three times a day, a very neut Road Board Office with brick front, the other parts of iron, which demonstrates a deception, which it is to be hoped is not imitated by the Board within. There is a Public Domain, divided into three parts—one ou the cross corner with the Catholic Church fenced in, but not improved ; part at the back of the Masons Hall, also unimproved ; the third part in the centre of the town, comprising a few acres beautifully laid out with walks, flower-pots and shrubs, a border of sycamores fringing the grounds all round. The grant by the lasfc Government for cemeteries and public domains was a wise arrangement. Nothing improves a town, or makes it more attractive than well laid out gardens and places of rec veation. The Geraldine Domain Boai'd s ms to have laid out the money judicio ly. It is a pity that the domain is so divid 1. A Mechanics'lnstitute is another Valuable institution, which must be hi&Vriy praised by the settlers in the distrct. Timaru Herald, T.smuka. Leadgci ;> nd other provincial papers lie on the tunic There is one medical gentleman, Dr. Fish, and two chein : siri, Mr T. Miliar! and Mi' R. S. Cook.

Geraldine has a Magistrate's Court, which sits fovinightly, on Thursdays, ! presided over by F. Guinness, Esq.' j Resident Magistrate There isalsowJ.Ps- ! Court, pres dedover.by Messrs \V. Postlc, j thwaite, W. U. Slack, Dr Fish and L, : Walker, J'P's., but there is no .tivryec. MrfO. Sherrafct is Clerk' of til j

Court, Cierk of the Road Land and commission agent ; Mr W. Shier*, Road Board overseer; Mr Andrews.Rcgistrar and Caretaker ; Mr J. Mundell, auctioneer and public pound-keeper; two saddles, Mr Will'ttins and Mr Mills/one cabinet-maker, Mr. Dale ; foui builders, or master carpenters, Messrs Scro,i>gie and Waters, Mr J. Young, Mr D. McKae, Mr Hipworth and Mr W. Berry ; threi shoemakers, Messrs Rice, Freeman and Calbert, also Mr Huffey's family boor and shoo shop ; two p»iirfcer*s. Messrs Gore and Pratt; four Macksmitlls.3sh.op3, M fsa'-s Kennedy. Trsngrove, Kirby and Andeison ; two "wheel: Messrs Clogeton and Anderson ; tliree bakers, Mt-sar3 Maslin, Wiilums and Brown; two butchers, Messrs Maslin, McDonald and Dawson ; one tailor, Mr F. Broughton ; one tentmaker, Mr Stcnehonse ;Mr George Ward, provi ion dealer; Messrs Denooa and Mundell ani Co., stable-keepers, with a few others.

Iu the suburbs there are two saw-mills, which are now owned by Mr John McKenzie, formerly McKenzie and Devox. At one time the Srnvdid a large timber business, but the bush got worked out. They then built a flour-mill, but as the district was not then much settled it fell, into decay, iind is now iu a tumble-down state. Mr McKenzie, the remaining partner, still carries on a timber business.

MrG. Warren and Co's. saw-mills, north of the town, and is in course of erection Gilford and Co's saw-mills ; one gardner, Mr Coombes, and two brick-makers. Geraldine is most picturesquely situated east of the Rakapuka Bush, the Waihi River (spanned by a wooden bridge) running through it, some beautiful roads and walks'into and around the bush. As one retieats gwestwurd of tie town a pleasant panorama stretches out before him. Eastward about a mile is the Rakapuka Home Station, originally built and occupied by Mr Alfred Cox, who sold the run to Mr Seiby Tancred,who in turn sold out to Mr Postlethwaile, the present owner. The residence is beautifully situated,fronting Geraldine, end protected on the S and Eby extensive plantations. The gardens are large and *vtd! stocked wiJ.i all sorts of fruit trees. The liuil-lings are of wood, to which Mr Postiothwaiie has added considerably, as also in stable, granaries and other improvements. The present owner has been planting forest trees largely. The paddocLs look magnificent; the stock, chiefly high-bred sheep, look as if they were kept in a real paradise. The run in Mr Cox's time consisted of 60,000 acres, a portion of which was freehold. The second owner, Mr Tancred, purchased a large amount ot freehold, which Mr Postlerhwaite still holds and latins, or lets out to farm, but the run now chiefly consi.-t' of freehold, excepting some river bed and shingly land. Mr Postlethwaite also holds a considerable number of town sections near the Presbyterian Church. An auction sale which was held in bad times, was but poorly attended, aud few lots were sold. Thei'6 can be no doubc,however, that these sections will yet b; sold at a good price.

If G raldine were more compact, it would present a much better appear since. There are more houses than in Tcmuka,, and so many cottages pleasantty situated ou the edge of the bush' around,, gives 'the town a hue appearance to the visitor.

We understand that a Government reee:ve prevents th,n town extending south. I' the case we - e prope ly represented,the Government would surely not refuse 10 come to terms with the local .iiitbo-iiies. North of the tlaka>uka Station we come upon >m almost uew coii;igo, built by the late Mr W. K. McDonald, who was called avfay so suddenly.in the prime of iife. Mr McDonald had bu'lt this quiet retreat'.'in the hope of restoring the delicate health of his wife, little thinking that he himself wan 10 be the first victim of disease.

• Tlie cottage is nicely situated on * creek near the bridge cont guous to the Presbyterian Church avid the jiver and bridge, now occupied by Mr Nation'-.About' a mile to the N.W. is .the residence of the late Captain Macpherson, who died there only three or four years ngo, aged 84. How strange that tins aged veteran who had fought his country's battles so long, and faced the foe at that memorable battle of Waterloo,fat ed death in its most hideous form and fearlessly exposed hiun self io every danger, should have been permitted by a Divine Providence to come to this sequestered spot to die. West from the late captain's residence, . on the bx-ow of the Rakapuka Hill,isMr A. McDonald's residence, brother of the late Mr W. K. McDouald. No residence in the disriiefc. nor perhaps m South Canterbury, commands so grand and extensive a view of sua and land as does this handsome residence. Mr McDonald's place is us pretty as the name it bears—Waitui, a native name. The grounds are extensive, clumps of trees reliev.ng the monotony in front, and thick native bush for miles at the buck. Mr McDonald is a sheep farmer and holds a good deal of Crown land on lease in and around the Rangitata river bed, as well as a large freehold estate. Although he has spent a considerable amount of money on improvements, sheep farming is his leading pursuit. On the east side of the town there are some very good residences. The English Church parsonage, a two storey building facing Geraldino is nicely situated about half a mile from the town. Dr Fish's residence i& also well situated on the edge of the Rakapuka downs. Dr Fish, who came to this colony about twelve years ago, settled down in Geraldine, having bought an eighty acre section belonging to a Frenchman of the name of Francis. On this he built his present residence, which.,; by planting and fencing, he has made; a home pleasant to look upon. Few men in their profession have been able to sustain their reputation so long and so well as Dr Fish has done, and we believe he has few if any enemies. He is ever ready to give a helping hand in public business or amusements, and he has consequently become a necessity in more ways than one. Mr Pearpniot's residence is the last that space will allow us to notice. Formerly this residence was ihe Church of England parsonage, at the time the Rev. Mr Brown was encumbent of the parish. Mr Pearpoint has added to and much improved the building, which is of two storeys, i-.i the Gothic style of architecture. A clump or trees .shelter the liimse and grounds lYom the sou'-wesfc winds.

B tween Mr Pearpoint's and the road, H-hidi leads' to Pleasant Valley,is the cemetery. The remark that applied fco'Teniuka does not apply here. The absenc■ of such a.miuib<'r of liti!c- graves, as is to be Keen iii the Tcmuka cemetery. ■ Nothing could s- <-ak more for the health of the district than the absence olefins u-upleasant fea :

hire. The cemetery itself is not in eo good order as in the other instance. Tho grant of public money, however, will enable the Board to go on improving.

The roads an f street in and around the town are in good order. Some of the houses have very tastefully laid' out gardens and well-tnmm.iil fi-rn-©*. The people seem quiet and imhistious, with a popu'ation equal, or ii'.-arly equal, to Temuka. There are fewur public houses, and that isevidencc. of the sobriety of the inhabitants. Centred in a good agricultural district and a fair dislanoe from other large centres of population, Gcraldino must continue to advance, provded tie settlers play their cards right, and not allow the would-be capital of the south to draiu them of their" .*» resources. Geraldine has a few wants,but \* they are only a few and will doubtless soon be supplied. The bush has done much for the town, but this is being exhausted. It is therefore time that the sellers were thinking over what manufactures thev will introduce.

Next Saturday we will pay a visit to Winchester ; the week following, the Valley ; and on to Peel Forest.