A TRIP NORTH.

Waikato Argus, Volume VI, Issue 428, 29 April 1899, Page 1 (Supplement)

A TRIP NORTH.

[By a Waikato Skttler.] Cikcumstancics over which I have no contol, hive «o tar prevented my visiting the pyramids or even taking a Facific Slope; but, on the 6pur of the moment, I took a trip north. A very m Id dissipation as far as the expenses was concerned, especially now that they have opposition s'eamers in the trade, the Ltosi; Casey and the Kapanui carrying passengers and frieght for next to nothing. The latter is a handsome new boat, and is being run on the c<> operative principle amongst the settlers. The Omaha show was held on the day of my visit. The steamers were both well patronised, and a very enjoyable trip we had, pissing Kawau, Matakna and T'tkatu point, all very picturesque places, ou our way, the last mentioned being the most serious part of our journey, for if there is any sea on, rounding Takatu is the place where it will be felt. The dinner bell rang just at this critical spot, and it was surprising the number of passengers who had lost their appetites.

Omaha wharf was reached shortly afterwards, our boat, the Kapanui, having I eaten the rival by a few minutes after an exciting race, The landing was crowded with settlers to welcome the excursionists. This is their day of the year and exciter k< en competition in all classes agricultural, pastoral and horticultural. It alsociuae3 the visitors after leiving the steamers, some exertion to get to the ground—up a hill—almost perpendicular, to the township, capital exercise for those of us who had lost our breakfast off the aforementioned point. The town reminds one strongly of Eden still ou paper but here the resemblance end 3, for judging by the lojk of the inhabitants—and I believe they were all present within a radius of thirty miles or so—it must be a moat healthy place to live. No need to reduce the age for pension*, people consider themselves in the prime of life at 65 up there. Mr Monk, who wai present looking up his supporters, with a view to next election, will find his opposition to this measure a troublesome matter to deal with, as apparently all classes, there are in favour of the Act.

With regard to the show, saveril of the large exhibitors seemed curious to know what I thought of their stock, as compared with the animals shown in Waikato by our leading breeders. They gave me the impression that they had to be cracked up ; so I answered in a manner highly gratifying to them if not quite in accordance withjact.

Tne horticultural portion of the show which was held in the hall, was really first-class. The display of fruit, vegetables, flowers and cookery was splendid, aud the grape wine too, was excel, lent. I saw some whisky also—not for exhibition. lam not 3ure whether they minufaetured it themselves, although the countrv ?eems very suitable for a business of that kind, resembling in some respects Waingaro only very much prettier. The view of the sea from there is (-rand, all the big ocean steamer > pa?s quite close to the coast, and at the time of my visit, yachts were to be seen in every direction. The show was considered one of the best ever held in the district. Mr R. Salmon was one of the ch : ef judges of stock and appeared to give great satisfaction—particularly to the winners. It would have done Mr Webster's heart good to have seen the jumping contests.

The whole affair wound up with the usual concert and dance enlivened by an Italian band, which had been discoursing excellent music through the clay. I must not forget to mention that I saw a "drunk" —and a mild manueretl policeman which is clear proof that the place is quite civilized. I remained a few day with a relative and had some good sport fishing—all sorts of fish being in abundance. Unfortunately there is not much bathing to be had, the sharks having quite a rronopolyof that sport. I also paid a visit to the gum fields and apparently good wages are to be made by industrious men. Through not given to profanity, settlers up there can with good reason all swear " By Gum !"