PROGRESS OF THE WAIKATO. (By Our Travelling Reporter.)

Waikato Times, Volume VII, Issue 372, 1 October 1874, Page 2

PROGRESS OF THE WAIKATO. (By Our Travelling Reporter.)

Tun progress that the Waikato has made within the last few years., cannot fail to be a matter of astonishment to old residents. Who amongst the early settlers in Hamilton for instance, would have dreamed that the piimitive buildings of four years ago, would be so saon replaced by the business-like premises noAV occupying prominent positions in the towns]] ips ! Where formerly rows of insignificant dwellings stood there are now stores, hotels, and business pramises, of all descriptions which would do credit to any country township in New Zealand. These reflections were forcibly impressed upon me when visiting a few days ago the premises erected by Messrs Vialou and Co., in that township. I was courteously escorted over the building, by the proprietor, and had good opportunity of inspecting the different departments contained in the establishment. We entered first the large show room situate on the ground floor of the main building, here is represented almost every variety of cabinet work, bedsteads, chairs, tables, sofas, chests of drawers, ottomans, &c., all of local manufacture, and of excellent quality. The room itself is spacious, meaauiing over 60 feet in length, and might rival many of the show-rooms at present to be found in Auckland. In the rightwing of the building I found an apartment devoted to wheelwright work, here are the necessary apparatus for the manufacture of every description of article which comes specially under this class of industry. The left wing is set apart entirely for painters, grainers, ancf decorators work, and contains a- varied assortment of samples suitable for the requirements of all classes. Up to the time of this visit I had been under tho impression that agricultural implements required for use in the district were imported from Auckland, but was agreeably surprised to learn that the extensive stock of harrows* (both light and heavy,) drays, c.»rts, and ploughs, wheelbarrows, «fee, had all been constructed upon the premises, and I am given to Tinderstand that it is the intention of the proprietor to- continue to augment his stock of these useful articles so as to meet the increasing requirements of the district. The upper storey of the building I found occupied by a number of men, all engaged in the manufacture of the various cabinet articles of which specimens ware exhibited below, and a turning lathe was in full work. In the rear of the main building is a blacksmith's shop, constiiicted of corrugated iron, in which are erected three forges, built of brick, and with all the latest improvements. Vices, drilling machinery, <fee, are also provided. What also struck me was the large quantity of timber stacked under a portion of the main building for future use, indicating a firm belief on the part of the proprietors in tho increasing piosperity of the district, which view a very large assortment of articles ready turned for use further substantiated. Such was the establishment I saw erected upon a spot, which ten short years ago was almost uninhabitable by reason of the hostility of the natives. That such a rapid advancement of settlement could take place Within so short a time is scarcely credible, and it must be a feather in the cap of the Waikato settlers to have so soon established in their midst a manufactory of such articles as they require in prosecuting the work of bringing the lands under cultivation. When this letter reaches you, I shall be in Cambridge, and shall take the first opportunity of forwarding you an account of the various improvements which I understand have been |Jlade in the settlement. From there I shall proceed to Te Awamutu, Kiljikihi, Alexandra and Ohaupo, and return home by way of Hamilton to Newcastle.