FROM NAPIER TO WALLINGFORD.

Waipawa Mail, Volume I, Issue 17, 9 November 1878, Page 2

FROM NAPIER TO WALLINGFORD.

Notes by a Rambler. Being of a roaming disposition, I put iny swng on my back and left Napier, passing through Clive, which certainly is a pretty township, and in my opinion must ultimately become a place of considerable importance. It now possesses two places for divine worship, two schools, two boiling down establishments, two hotels, two breweries, with stores, &c., and all the other eoncommitants of a thriving town. The country around is rich and fertile in the extreme, and I noticed that a great quantity had been brought under the plough, clearly indicating that the settlers are becoming alive to the necessity of following agricultural pursuits as well as pastoral. From Clive to Havelock the country is of a similar character with one exception, that is, there is about midway a ridge of sandhills which are being constantly shifted, thereby destroying the adjacent land. In fact, the sand has covered many acics of valuable land to the depth of four feet, and must continue to destroy more unless something is done to prevent its onward course. Havelock itself appears to be thriving place, and there are some exceedingly pretty and well kept gardens. Mr Goddard’s nursery grounds, although of a limited character, reflect the highest credit upon liis industry and skill as well as upon his taste in the choice selection of fruits, flowers, trees, and shrubs with which his garden abounds. Upon the whole, Havelock is well built and tastefully laid out. From there to Paki Paki is a fine stretch of country, which is being made the most of by the owners. Paki Paki is a quiet place, the principal business being done by the Maoris. The road now becomes fearfully white as you ascend into the hills, and is very trying upon the sight. Tne country is neither picturesque nor beautiful, llapuka’s pah is the ne..t thing that at

tracts the traveller’s attention, and I paid ai visit to the shrine of the departed warrior, and was well pleased w «my visit ; but was glad in the extreme when I reached the welcome hostelry of Mr Allanach at Te Ante, where I camped lor the night. Te Ante is quiet in the extreme; its principal support is the supply of firewood, posts, and rails, &c. ; but I am afraid its best days are gone. Between this place and Kaikora, the most noticeable feature is the college, a very pretty building, which I visited, and was highly gratified with the progress I noticed the pupils were making. The Rev. S. Williams anil the master are indefatigable in their exertions, and apparently spare no efforts to make those under their charge comfortable and happy. - Kaikora is I quiet, still from what I heard, there appears to be no ground of complaint, and the settlers are as prosperous as in the majority of other places. W aipawa is a bustling, thriving town, with stores, hotels, churches, and all tbc paraphernalia of a large town. It also | boasts of a bi-weekly journal. Its railIway bridge is a splendid piece of workmanship, being twenty-two chains long and of a most prominent and durable character. Upon the whole, it is a place | that is destined to make a mark in the future. From here to Waipukurau, a disI tance of four miles, and the gem of the plains is reached. Truly beautiful, and made more beautiful year by year, by the exertions of Mr Henry Russell* who spares no expense in labor in tile ornamental as well as the useful. Speaking of the town itself, I must freely confess that there is nothing in Hawke’s Bay to- surpass it atnl its picturesque appearance; when approaching it from Waipawa must be seen to be realized. The new hospital is fast approaching completion, which doubtless will be a great acquisition to the inland community. Its stores, private residences, and other* buildings are of a substantial and ornamental character, and business appears more lively than it is towards Napier. The bridge that spans the river is of a similar character to the \\ aipawa bridge, but somewhat shorter. Upon the whole, W«€pukurau is the “ creme de la creme” of the provincial district of Hawke’s Bay, and I am only astonished that the annual races of the province are not run here. It is so admirably adapted by Nature that nothing could possibly surpass it. Probably, such will eventual 1 y be the case, and that the Hawke’s Bay Jockey Club will here find a permanent racecourse, and not be as they are at the present, dependent upon the charity of private individuals from year to year for a place to hold their sports. I must not omit to , mention the Tavistock Hotel, and with it the proprietor, Mr Peter Gow. The hotel, : for comfort and convenience, will bear favorable comparison with any that l have seen, and for civility and attention Mr and i Mrs Gow are proverbial. I could write t much more upon the beauties and splendid s country that surrounds the place, but 1 » must push on to Wallingford. After * leaving Waipukurau, the first thir \ftlu*t t attracts the attention is Captain IS viui’s , place. It stands on an elevated position, ; and is seen for a long distance. It is very t prettily situated, and surrounded by 3 luxuriant trees. On the opposite side to i Captain Newman’s, Mr Henry Russell has 800 acres laid down in grain, and with his 3 usual foresight, is going in for irrigation, i and at the present has surveyors busily - employed taking the levels for the above- > named object. I am given to understand i that he purposes carrying out his irrigation ) scheme by the aid of windmills, clearly i indicating that he is determined to assist s Nature where it is necessary, and in assist--2 ing Nature, he is affording employment to i a number of individuals, thereby beuefit--3 ting the community. What a pity Hawke’s - Bay cannot boast of a few more endowed with a similar spirit of enterprise, and i then nothing could possibly retard its 1 material wealth and prosperity. From 1 there to Wanstead is a dreary walk, and t there is nothing very noticeable ; quieti ness reigns supreme. Price’s homestead 3 and grounds have a very marked appeari ance, and shearing is just commencing.. 3 There is an hotel at Wanstead, which I 1 have no doubt Will be a great acquisition 3 as the township progresses. From there a to Wallingford, a distance of six miles, i, there is nothing remarkable ; the country e is good for grazing purposes, and there is ~ some very good hush, but when I have y said that I have said all. Wallingford has a a bridge and a hotel, a store, and a !, sawmill, which is not now in operation., j In fact, dulness reigns supreme there just 0 now. In conclusion, I may add that water n is very scarce indeed between Wanstead and Wallingford, and greut numbers of sheep are dying ; and before I put my swag on my back again, I would suggest - to runholders that the time has arrived when they should go in for the building of darns, so that the storm water may be saved for dry seasons, and sheep and t cattle have plenty at all times. I now light my pipe and resume my journey.