TIMARU TO RANGIUTATA.

Temuka Leader, Issue 235, 12 February 1880, Page 2

TIMARU TO RANGIUTATA.

MOUNT PEEL STATION. Travelling along a road that has been f-naped through Peel Forest, easy access is obtained to the Upper Kangit.ita diatrie Pas ring the s uv-nrilla already referred to, the travellei enters upon one of the most enjoyable* short rides of a mile or two that can possibly be imagined. The tall trees towering overhead,the deep gorges underneath, spanned by tiny wooden bridges, the ring of the woodman’s uxe as he ad-minist-is the last blow to the monarch of the woods, the crack of the stock-whip, and the leport of the sportman’s fowlingpiece, lend 'enchantment to the beautiful scenery, and gives tc the tourist a grand conce. tiou of the romantic nature of New Zealand station life, such as cannot but favorably impress his .mind with the idea that our island of all the countries of the world is a place to be d'-sired to make one contented and happy. A clear, brig!.t sky, the sun sh ning bright and w r a. a briny breeze wafting the sound oi the tui's peculiar whistle, the moke-moke’s doleful note, the sweet fhirp of the wood-robin, and the cry of the wood-hen, encourages desire to linger in the place always. The health-giving, invigorating exercise, ns the; trave Dr saunters along throng!) the evergreen forester native bush,which cannot bo surpassed in beauty, bri gs one back to the fairy tales of little folks dancing in the sun, and disappearing mysteriously at the approach of a sti anger. Emerging from the forest by a steep descent from the lofty eminence, the visitor is confronted with another piece of New Zealand scenery, equally wild and grand. The steep banks of the Rangitata River, right in front, the curving streams into which the river is divided when it is low, the noise of the miniature waterfalls, dashing over the huge stone boulders on the fight, (he majestic boldness of the sharp peaked lofty mountains on the left, provides a theme for the muse or the poe*-, which even Shakespeare or Burns would not have despised. Biding along the banks of the Rangitata, at the base of the mountains, and shut out from the world by the intervening forest, one could readily realise the fact that he is in a fore gu Rnd, such as some of those places we used to read of in our school boy days, where the smuggler, wending his way along the narrow stream till within convenient distance of the 'wild Indian, he prepares to begin that nefarious traffic in human flesh, which caused England's philunthrophists so many sleepless nights and weary days. On-* would readily think that here is a chance for the wild outlaw, to escape the baud of justice, a place where he could indulge, with impunity, in all the wild freaks which his inclination for a roving life might dicta:e. No one would for a moment imagine that this sequestered spot would ever become the abode of a civilised European. Yet such is the case. In 1855 very shortly after the Canterbury pilgrims took possession in the Queen’s name of this part of New Zealand, two gentlemen who had been nurtured in luxury, and school -d in all the refinements of .an-English aristocratic life, took a fancy to a free and untrammelled rural colonial life in New Zealand, and going out o e day like Abraham not knowing very well whither they wont, crossing the roaring Rakaia and th. treacherbus quicksands of the subtle Ashburton River, they, after a ride of twenty mih s, were confronted by the swift and deep Rangitata, rolling along its millions of tuns of Water, to disappear— like the raindrop on the parched land—-in the great and mighty ocean. How these pioneers crossed this dangerous stream we know not, but cross it they did, and they found themselves landed in a country whore probably no white man had ever before set his foot. When there, the thought of the wide plains they had just left, the sight of he rough and rugged mountains, and the pathless banks of this turbulent stream, was sufficient to daunt men more inured to'hardships than these two young gentlemen could lay claim to. Nevertheless, a resolution was passed in their own minds that there they would pitch their camp. One more confiding than the other had the thought welling upi. his heart, “ Whither thou goest I will go, and where thou ahidest I will abide,” but with the wisdom of ah elder brother the other says. ‘‘lf thou choose the right, then I will go to the h ft; if thou choose the left, then Twill go to the right,” and so the matter was settled. The one on whose lands we now tread settled there, where he still remains, but with very different views now from those which possessed him on his landing. The Hon. J. B. Acland, Crown tenant of Mount Peel Station arrived in Jan., 1855, and took up the run early in 1856, where he has continued, with a short interval, ever since.. The run consists of 100,000 acres of mountainous country, and some 5000 acres of mostly flat freehold country purchased by Mr Acland during the last few years. Mount Peel, from which the station derives its name, is one of the highest peaks on the south-east frontage of ,tbD great range of mountains, -and is about five miles south-west of , the Rangitata River, near whi h Mr Acland’s residence is situated. The Rangitata does not end here, however, biit extends west, or, rather north-west for twenty-five miles further, forming the north - eastern boundary of the Mount Peel Run. Higher mountains, however, intercept the view of the snowy ranges. Gradually ascending by an easy gradient, the Mount Peel range culminates in a mountain called Ben McLeod, C,365 feet high, ten miles northwest of Mount Peel. .Farther on, about twenty-five miles from the Home Station, is a mountain called Mesopotamia ; here the Rangitati forks ; but the main stream, which again forks, leads for nearly as. many miles more, when it is abruptly terminated by the first glaciers, which effectually b;-r toe way to its further progress. On the Mount P-itl Run Mr Acland past ires 44,000 sheep, all merinos; indeed, the hilly nature of th© country wi’l admit of nothing else, and only a particular breed in that class: There is no t dile 1 md beyond the front range, as on other mountainous runs; nothing but up hill and down dale, all over the run ; and that in the most abrupt manner. At the time of our visit the ewe shearing was in full swing, about thirty shearers bring at work in a most commodious building. The men seemed to be doing their work well, receiving fifteen shillings per hundred, and ‘.‘found.” .The Inst little word, ‘ found,’ is exceedingly significant. The old days of mutton and damper—damper and mutton—which constituted t : © whole diet of solids, with tea as strong as tanuer’s bark, are past. The schedule of necessaries f>-r a swagger’s table now not only embraces roast meats, pies and pud-

dines, but (he best preserves owl jams which skill can dfv : sa as a temptai on to a delicate palate. In the breed of sheep the Mount Peel Station presents nothing remarkable. The rugged nature of the country, the high elevation where the sheep have to seek their food, and the liabi.ity to snow-dinis, prevents the owner from experimenting in the tine classes 1 which have proved to successful to ine owner of the Orari Gorge Station. Neve. - thel-ss, the improvement in the breed since the run was first taken up is considerable. The present year’s production of lam a'is not ojily great—7s percent —but urn proof of a good selection in the sires is evident in thw young stock, and the increase in the pi o rliiction <>f wool, now some 45f bales. The wool ahe ls near the banks of the river are extensive mi ,J substantial,capable of yarding from 2,000 to 2,500 sheep on a pinch. There is a large and roomy wool store in the upper storey, capable of storing over 200 bales, and ample room for considerably more shearers than is necessary. Mr Acland, notwithstanding that many were surprised at his boldness in squatting down on such a piece of country, and would even have advised him not to do it, yet planned everything on'a scale thal showed his faith in the future success of Ids scheme. The sequel has proved the soundness of his judgment. Near the wool sheds are the sheep yards and the mens’ huts,somo of the bitter built in stone from the bed of the river. A remarkable feature is the appearance of many of these boulders cut as with a saw on oue side, and often ns smoot i as if polished. How this came about, whether by fire or by the velocity with which they were precipitated from the mountains to the depth below, it is laud to say ;but it Is a fact that they require little dressing to fit them for taking a place in the walls of any building. L-aviug the busy scene at the wool sheds, _ we turn away towards the mountains, and, right before us, another proof of faith in the future success comes in sight. About hTf a mile from the banks of the river and woolsheds is to be s a n the residence of the H. m. member of the Legislative Council, Mr J. 13. Acland, i wuer of the run situated at the western end of the strip of Hat; land, which li -s between the Rangitata and the mountains, A semi-circle of Native bush and European tree plantation presents, oiio of the grandest sigh's to be fun id in New Zealand, in 1865 Mr Acland bui't the present mansion from a plan from Mr Strout, architect, living hi Christchurch. Tue building is of brick witli two storeys of considerable height roofed wiJ.l English slate. The p'an is in® the Gothic style of architeciu.e, which is even novy, after a lapse of noany 15 years, ahead of the times in many r.-spects. The number of the rooms (over 20) is no cri terion fur judging tho extent of the building, ns some o* the rooms are more like English drawing-rooms than si np!e residences of N ew Zealand sheep-f.-wm-ms.'The foundation ,'s of smuo, cucircbng a roomy collar bii off, on tne LmgUsli principle. Uro enhance ha’l is lofty and w'de, conveying on eU'ir’ng t ic idea of last and culture on the pai t of the pioprielor. Rare relics are to ho found in the d y.wing-room, and some in ceres., ug recollections of England’s power are to be seen —one in particular, a portion of a couhal steei ball, which when Hied from oie.yf I he modem monsters of desi; action, sni shed a ste-.-l plate of 4in. a:id an i'oii plate of din , from a great distance, like panes c.f glass. Thai the ball did not come oft scathiess is not tfo be wonder d at when we cm rider that it had nine inches of so 1 id nn-tal to deal with. The peri ion of the ball is about the size and shape v2 a ewe’s udder, with the nipple on it, and seems an unlikely instrument for doing so much mischief, kiurromiding the mansion on the cist and we t sides is a lofty and highly ornamented verau lah, opening to an expansive and oval-shaped lawn. In the middle of this beautiful gn en sward is cut out in a most artisiic fashion a large sTr, made up of flower plois, comprising every hue and colour under the sun. The effect is most pleasing Oiher fliwe- plots are to be met with in every direction. Some rare specimens are met with, and sumo strange* freaks of nature are exhibited in their formation. Surrounding the lawn are some magnificent trees, one in particular, a Douglas pine, a native of North America.tis a splendid specimen. Weiliugtouias also, of 20 years’ standing, are very fine. Aran aria or puzzle-monkey (so called from the dift'.culty with which the monkey cn -ou'ateis in mounting its bristling branches) is also an American, and looks well. Another novelty, the weeping ash, a leal beauty in shape like an inverted umbrella, its branches and streamers like the ribbons on a young lady’s shoulders, r aching to toe ground all round, leaving room fora pic-nic party inside This tree forms a nice retreat from the sco.ciiing sun, but it is vtry liable, if exposed, to be destroyed by the N. VV winds. This landscape, surrouu ledby so many pleasing features, cannot be much improved upon, but one thing is lack'ng— we miss the play of the fountains Th ose little jets do much to beaulify a lawn, and must have been overlooked by the proprietor through his having the sound of the river rapids so much in his mind’s eye. The fruit gardens and orchards are a complete maze—one lah i i h < f serpentine walks heie, there, and everywhere, leading to fruit-trees of ail sorts, loaded to the ground. Ove- twenty acres are comprised in the garden and lawn, an I twice that amount in forest tree plantation. Indeed, the mansion may be said to be covered up by these innovations of man’s making, even although it stands I, feet above the sea level. A half circle of timber, useful and ornamental, closes the view until close' at hand. On approaching the main entrance gate, from the main road, oue is struck with the fine symmetry of the building with its facings of Mount Somers sand ston -, which give a fine relief to the brickwork and the arched projections from the verandah, which invites one to enter the building by the French doo.s is a ve-y imposing sight. Considering the times in which the mansion was built, without roads or bridges, the coat of transporting the materials can hardly now be estimated. The building, altogether, must have coat many thousands of pounds, but will hold its own agains all comers in South Canterbury for many years to come ; at the nortlx end stands a circular gret-n house, full t > the door, with the choicest productions of all nations. We regret that space will not permit us particularising some of the wondera of na ire to be found here. To the south side of the mansion, is another proof of the owner’s conviction, that man should not live for himself alone. About a hundred yards off, on the elevation may

be seen » plain building of blue stone with white facings, surmounted _ with a cross," which beiokens that in life’s bustle it is good for man to be alone, to be nut in remembrance that, however l eautifulthe situation, no place on th's e. rth is our permanent home. Mr Acland, in 1868, at . n expense of over LBOO, built this chur-h, which was afterwards dei mated as a Church of E g'and. The bin'ding is in the fuff Gothic style. The church is seated for about 80 worshippers, and, notwithstanding tho seclusion of the district, it is at times full. The interior is tastefully fitted up. The po ned roof represents New Zealand timber of varlc u•• sorts. Tohara alternat.ly with white pb.o punnelling, with the pews of totara. and the railing of the altar veneered with massive, highly polished knots of totara, which could not be surpassed in beauty. Service is held every Sunday, conducted chiefly by Mr Acland as lay-reader Sometimes the Rev Mr Preston conducts the service. It would be well if other station owners would do as Mr Acland does. Nothing to our mind is more bar arous than to see scores of men mussing ti.elr Sabbath on the stations indi 1 jii.g in tiie usual week day fpastimes, without ever h -aring the sound of tne church bell to recall the early days of their childhood’s youth, when pious mothers fondly watched over their be'ovsd eons in their opening manhood. We have se n the good effect of a w rd spoken in season to a rash young man, who, till then, thought no one ca ed for him. Another solemn spot can gilt our eye. In a small enclosure we observed a s-nall wooden cross at the bead of a little mound of earth, which at some not very remote period had been disturbed from its repose of thousands of years, in order to receive back to ils bosom some frail specimens of God’s noblest work._ In this instance the shortness and uncertainty of-human life is brought vividly to our remembrance. In this little cemetery (for cemetery it is) there are seven graves ; six am of children who died at from one to six years of age; and one at seven. Here in ode of the most healthy spots on earth, D-* ith enters and takes away some of the little lambs of the flock. Who can understand the ways of Divine Providence 1 The lit tie saplings int down, while- tho old, apparently useless trunk remains, only, as we may think, to encumber the ground. Doubtless, in this, as in all other thnu-s, the great ruler of tie Universe doeth ud things well. Af'er the heat cf the day was over we zig-zigg ‘d further a field, first motnt'ig one prominence, then another, pitying the while the poor mu es who,without remonsir mce must spring troin bank to bank, and from cliff to cliff, till they land theT riders on the veiy summits of the highest mountains. Out of breath, and with the perrop’.’atio'i pouring from us like a shower bath, we reach a small patch of table land to find it ploughed and planted with all sorts of E..*gl : sh and Colonial trees. Here an object at a distance of a mile, attracts our attention. High up, many hundred f, above wh uv we stan l, >s to he seen a r*-markable object. We read of the eagle boimr per-lied o:i high, but no eagle D there ; wo road of the conies building their rrests on high,but io conie is tlieix. On enquiry we are" told that the object whlcn attra-ted our addition is the •‘Parson. I’ At this we were f drly dumbfoumie l. : Could this be the ancle it E leu with its Euphrates- divided into four heads 1 True, we had found sumo red earth formations close by, but wo saw no hole where Adam could have been dag from, and a parson. There were no parsons, wi h their wuite chokers, in Paradise Could tins parson be tue tempter who talked about dashing feet against stones ? We 1, surely he had, from his high pr -minence, a good sight of tho world, but we never heard of him being at the Laud Office, buying land, conse (ueutiy we cou d not see ho v he could call it his own Then again we read that he was not particular about a fib or two wlionithelpe 1 him to gain his object. Much relieve I were wo therefore to learn that this parson was like many mote par ms, who a e described as dumb dogs that never bark, the obj,*,*t which called up those old recollections s none other than a s'o ;u pillar, s-1 up by nature to watch what >s going on be;o .v N jht coming on, we cou-

sin led discretion the b tter part of vajor, and p efhrred returning to a slice of ham and tho juice of the grape, to ui -king an encounter with this Goliath. Before darkness set in tho field-glass opened to view a grand panorama; the Hinds and AshbuTon in the distance, the great Pacific SO miio-i off to the east, the snowy mountains to the west and nortii, and the wide and vast plains, with their flocks and herds, beyond the mighty banks of the Ka gitatu. Reluctantly we pul ed ours dyes away, imping at som ■ future time to iiave an fiber such field d iy, when (he parson scar ; would be forgotten. In the early clays (as vvo have said) when Mr Acland choose tin- run, many doubted if he was all right, but experience has taught them different. M my who had runs on tue plains a. lowed their chance, to go by, and now h:veno run or property at all, and notwithstanding that we are opposed t > lock g up the conn try, and for being out-s token,have been pointed at as the man that writes down squatters'. We,ueve tireless, canrot but respect the judgment of the owner of the Mount Peel S-.ntiou in choosing tho better nart which will not so.soon be taken from hi i. The Mount Peel Run is a difficult one to work,and would not be easily made profitable in small sections, while on (he other hand it would be u far bet 1e - policy 1 to continue it as the property of the Crown, taking for it the highest market value at which it will pay to stock it rather than alienate it at a low value; A’though we coul I not trace any minerals, except, perhaps, copper ore, it may yet turn out to possess good coal or limestone, or oth r useful materials ; but as to go'd the absence of any, even the least qua tz in the river bed, or mountain strata, preclude the least chance of gold being found in this part of New Zealand. .A look at the Lower Rmgitata districts and the Lower Orari and Milford districts will conclude our circuit and redeem the pledge that we wou.d give a description of the districts beetween Tiinaru and the Rangitata River. Next week we will report upon these districts.

The popular indignation in St. Peters burg at the recent attempt on tho Czar’s life has altogether died out, on account of the reactionary m asures of the Government. Russia is equipping a j large army in the face of her peaceful professions, and tho towns of Russian Po'aud are filled with well-armed troops.