A Holiday Trip to Waitoa.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3463, 30 January 1880, Page 2

A Holiday Trip to Waitoa.

Rifle Match,

Great Hospitality of the Waitoans.

Some short time ago Major Murray had occasion to visit the promising district of Waitoa. He found tie residents very well disposed to the people of the Thames, and a proposition was made to cement the friendly feeling of the two places. The settlers sent down by the Major, a challenge to a team of Thames shootists to come and try conclusions ■ with them, and inspect their magnificient country. In response to this challenge, the following gentlemen left for the Upper Thames on Wednesday night:— Major Murray, Captain Watson, Messrs A. and G. Price, Symington, Downie, Mclnnes, and Strange, .with District Marker Potts, who had kindly consented to accompany the party. The majority of the Thames pilgrims went up by the steamer Piako, Major Murray and others travelling overland.. Ohinemuri was reached late in the evening, and next morning early the journey to Te Aroha was completed^ The WaiToans-hadseTitr over several brakes to convey the visitors to their destination, and the ride was greatly enjoyed. la a. most romantic looking spot adjacent to the settlement, a rifle range had been prepared, and wooden targets erected. The following gentlemen composed the Waitoa team: —Messrs R. Parr, Campbell, Smith, Murray, Collins, Melton, McCormick and W. Smith. As might be expected the shooting was not up to much, but the match was very much enjoyed, everyone being in the greatest good humor. The Thames-men defeated the challengers by a-few points. After the shooting the whole party partook of luncheon at Mr Smith's residence, and were then driven round the country. The visitors were much surprised at the splendid nature of the, soil, and the evidences of the industry ofthe settlers. The land is principally in crass, but eventually when railway communication is established, there is no doubt by that time this splendid district will be one of the largest grain producing centres of the North Island. In the evening a banquet was held at Mr Missen's Hotel in the spacious "commercial of which was laid a table for 40 or 40 groan, ing with all the delicacies of the season. Mr H. Campbell occupied the chair, and Mr Parr the vice chair. The usual loyal and patriotic toasts were followed by " The Health of the Visitors," and " The Health of the Waitoa .Settlers" and after an hour or two spent in convU viality, the visitors were driven down to the Riro Hiro. They arrived here this morning, feeling very much the want of sleep. They speak gratefully of the hospitality and cordiality of the Waitoans. It is probable a return match will be fired on the Thames some time in February, and a cricket match will be played at the same time.