A TRIP TO MOKAU, VIA AWAKINO AND PUKETITI.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 280, 28 April 1898, Page 3

A TRIP TO MOKAU, VIA AWAKINO AND PUKETITI.

♦ [BY OCR TRAVELLING CORBESI'ONDENT]. (Concluded). HOMEWARD BOUND. As we had lost a day by going up the river and must reach Te Kuiti on Monday night if we were to catch Tuesday's train, there was nothing for it but to make a long day and push right through, a prospect which, as the morning broke gloomy and wet, was none too pleasant. At 6 a.m. we started out to catch the horses, which were Raid to be in a paddock about half-a-mile along the beach. On reaching it the horses were, of course, not to be seen, and, as a last resort, we climbed the range which here rises some 500 feet or more above the sea, a stiff task with overcoats on. Though fairly winded on reaching the top, which proved to be a fine grass plot of several acres, we could scarcely fail to enjoy the splendid view which lay before us. The rain had cleared off, and from this eh - rated plateau we could see far down the coast lines and away out to sea. What a beautiful site it was for a maiine residence, where we could, young and old, come, leiving behind us, if only for a time, the worries and cares of business, including that if .farming, which is the worst of all, untroubled in this out-of-the-way, tecludcd spot by those wretched bills to meet and accounts rendered that, like the poor, seem to be with us always. Here, also, under the warm 6unlight, with the glorious sea spread out before them, almost at their feut, out delicate ones would speedily gain colour of cheek aud brightness of eye as they rambled about watching the ships go by, drinking in health and stiength with every draught of the bracing sea breezs. For those who prefer a sterner scene, they could stand on this high plateau whin the westerly gales race upon the coast, watching under a lowering sky the wild and stormy sea, now a tumult of foam for miles out, the roar of the gale, with the cries of sea birds as they circle and wheel overhead, being livallci only by the thunderous thrud of the great rollers breaking upon the sho-e, with a force that makes the very hills vibrate, each rocky point along the coast hidden by a mist of salt spray and foam, which is driven by the fierce gale far inland. All this is lost to us in our Waikatu homes, but it is here, by the sea. We found "Dick" on the terrace, and looking down again wore rewarded by seeing the others quietly grazing on the very spot we had come frcm ; quickly scrambling down, we are sooa in the saddle and cantering along the beach. After leaving the coast and taking the Awakiuo road, the effects of the night's rain are very evident, the horses slipping at every step, and a'ong the edges of the cuttings, where they seem to have some particular desire to walk, the riding was none too safe. As we ascended the hills a cold, wet mist enveloped us, the fog sweeping from one high ridge to the other, and through which we could see scarcely a doz:n yards. At 11.30 a in. we reach Mr John Elliott's residence, and take off the saddles to give the horses a bite of the fresh grass and clover, which is abundant here about, and get a rest ourselves, having put in the first stage of our day's journey. Mr John Elliott and hie family are fine specimens of the pioneer settlers of Taranaki, who were mostly men of fine proportions, full of energy and endurance, making light of the difficulties and hardships met with in founding a home in the bush. Like his neighbours, Mr Elliott urged the completion of the road through to Waikato, in re»pect to which also the ladies of the house were equally in earnest, the Mißses Llliott, Houiton and other Awakino and Mokau ladies having ridden ' throueh to see the late Ngartiawahia regatta. They intend to make up a large party for the same purpose next year, so the Ngaruawahia Regatta Committee will see that their efforts are appre ciated. After lunch wc take the road again, just shopping at Mr Housten's for our horses, which that gentleman has thoughtfully caught up, ready for us, and soon enter the bush, now particularly bad and slippy after the rain. Only with the greatest difficulty cun the horses keep their feet, more than one shoe being torn off, and we are glad onough to reach McNicol's clearing, and about 4 p.m. I'uketiti, having accomplished the second stage. After a short rest aud refreshment, fresh horses were saddled up, Jfcfc'.ys excepting " Dick " who is evion trial with his master, and we ar 'e—by this time none too fresh—on the road again. Before many miles are covered darkness sets in. and though no rain is falling, the track is indistinct and slippery, the hones going down the hills very cautiously, our pace on the Hats being a sort of jog-trot, which though not particulary graceful in appearance, is the favourite pace in rough country ,

taking you over the ground nt about live miles iiu hour. The (bird stage wns, perhaps, always is, thu worst, •• nd though beguiled by many a stoiy and joke, it was a weary ride, and we were not scrry to see the lights at Te Kuiti, which we reached at 10.30 p.m., having ridden about 60 mile?, most t f it through hilly and rough country, the East (Joist horse coming in comparatively fresh, though the distance he had travelled without a bite of hard feed—mru>t equal 80 miles on a good road. Though somewhat beyond her regulation tea hours, Mrs Bond toon fixed us up, and we had the satisfaction of knowing that we were in lime for the tiain. At 6.45 a.m. we are on the Te Kuiti platform waiting for the Auckland train to start, and here we part with one who has been a general comrade ami kind and thoughtful host. No one need have better luck than to fall into Mr Ellis' hands for a King Country trip, and it may be—who knows—tint other expeditions in the same company are yet in store for us.