THE EXPLORATION OF THE TAUHERENIKAU.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume I, Issue 50, 16 December 1867, Page 3

THE EXPLORATION OF THE TAUHERENIKAU.

Messrs C. O’Neill ?and J. D. Baird, Civil Engineers, have returned safely to Greytown, after having been through-Captain Smith’s line, of road, between Aodder’s Inn and the Moroa Plain. ■ The party on leaving Hodder’s was composed of Messrs C. O'Neill, J. D. Baird, H. S. Wardell, R.M., and M. Hirschberg, with Louis Pampa, William Ashwell, and W. Blake. The party was as far as Hirschberg’s Creek, and encamped near Capt. Smith’s old camping ground, then examined a clearing made recently by Mr Hart in the valley of Hayes’s River. During the night the rain fell in torrents. Next morning the whole party leaving their swags behind them went up the Rirautaka range, Mr Hirschberg leading the way and pointing out with evident pleasure the trees Avhich were blazed by him, when he formed one of Captain Smith’s party ten years ago, until they arrived at the summit, when he with solemn look declared that this hill shall be known and called Mount Wardell, the ceremony o ( naming the mount was completed by the the burying of a glass vase containing the date and name of the mountain written in English and German by Mr Hirschberg. They proceeded along the ridge until they they came to a “ low saddle ” much lower than the one spoken of by Captain Smith. After exploring the northern and southern side they returned to camp, when Messrs Wardell and Hirschberg left them, having urgent business elsewhere. The party on Sunday dividedMr Bair d going up the river, and Mr O'Neill in the bush,the latter prospected for gold but obtained none, the timber, totara could be seen from 3 to 4 feet in diameter. Wild cattle and pigs plentiful, The party took two days from there coming down the river, wading a great portion of the way. We reserve our remark's on this exploration until we see the report these gentlemen ftrnish. The thanks of the community are due to them for the toil, labor, and risk they underwent for the purpose of benefitting the public of Wellington and Wairarapa.