CANTERBURY HOKIANGA SETTLEMENT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2221, 30 June 1891, Page 3

CANTERBURY HOKIANGA SETTLEMENT.

The Auckland Graphic writes as fellows Notice of His Excellency's intention to visit the Canterbury settlement had only been given about an hour before, but the settlers, in the usual hospitable fashion of all colonists, insisted on entertaining the Governer at luncheon. A rough table was knocked up under an enermeus spreading puriri tree, and each of the settlers brought some contribution to the meal. One could be seen, covered ever with a wire gauze veil, taking honey from his bees; anothsr was plucking tbs grsen shoots of the maize, while others : brought butter, eggs, tomatoes, and inch other products oi their cultivation as could be gathered and prepared at very short notice, Tbs meat striking feature of the meal was tbal everything placed on the table wai part of what the settlers were themselves accustomed to partake of every day, and that no special preparation was made for the entertainment of the distinguished guests. All sat down to the repast tegetker, with thn exemption of the children, who appeared in the very best of health and spirits, and amused themselves playing round the table and swinging in the branches of the puriri, In addressing a few remarks to the to tbe settlers after the luncheon, His Excellency expressed his pleasure at having witnessed this charming and idyllic scene. He said that when ha returned to England he Would neyer be able to pass a poer-koUse or go through the purlieus of the great cities without conjuring up to his mind the contrast to such pictures which he was permitted to witness on this occasion. He said that, although there ceuld be no question as to the success that hid attended these village settlements, be could not help believing that it was in no small, measure due not only to r the 1 - natural advantages which were pfesented to them; but also to tbe character of the men who had formed ths sbttlemcnt—to their energy, determination,, and perseverance. In any case, he said he would look back upon - that day as one of the most pleasant reminiscences that he would carry ; nway frpm New Zealand.