TUAPEKA MOUTH.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 321, 14 January 1874, Page 3

TUAPEKA MOUTH.

(From our own Correspondent.)

All sprees, sports and amusements being now" over, we have again settled down to our usual employments, older, if not wiser men ; and I am sure that the two days thus happily spent will be joyfully made up, as " all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy."

The scarcity of gold in this locality has militated against the settlement of miners amongst us, and in consequence matters have not been very brisk for a considerable period ; but now that a demand has commenced for our agricultural land, I am sure that our prosperous days are beginning, for however precious gold may be, the thinking poi'tion of mankind have come to the conclusion long ago that for permanent prosperity nothing can compete with the cultivation of the soil.

The Molyneux has been exceptionally high for the last fortnight. This, however, does not interfere with us, as in this locality there are no river claims ; but the majestic flow of its waters roaring and tumbling over rocks and ledges excites our wonder and astonishment, and makes us frequently ask the ques^ tion, Where cau such an immense body- of water come from ? Its continuous high state must have been injurious up country, as the carcasses of horses, boxes, and other debris have been 'floating past us. Sheep shearing in the district is now, I hear, over, and the harvest will soon begin. I have not heard that there is likely to be a scarcity of hands. In the immediate locality crops are not luxurious, _as the want of rain has operated very much against them. The few showers we have had lately, however, will do a little good.

The crop of fruit is very abundant, and gooseberries and currants are gone a-begging. Such is the weight, in some cases, that the bushes require support to prevent them breaking.

I have to record the supply of a want much felt here — I mean the establishment of a boat for the carrying of passengers to and fro across the river. There can be no, question tin's will be of great service to the locality. Passengerp, may now rely on getting across without' any detention. It will' also be of much service to those parties on the other side who may wish to get across on Sunday to attend divine service. (

However, the enquiry for land, as formerly mentioned, is to be the great meaus to which, we must look for future prosperity, and now that the insane and indiscriminate objections to applicants for homesteads has of late wonderfully decreased, there is little doubt that a good deal more land will be applied for and granted. , . Our saw mill is continuously at work, and the teams employed in taking away the timber ; also,' the teams and drays from Waitahuna for firewood) posts and rails, give the Mouth a busy and hopeful appearance. We have a, few Celestials' at work at the mouth* of the Tuapcka.river. Ido not think, however, that they are making much, as their number is not on the increase.