NGARUAWAHIA. (By our Travelling Reporter.)

Waikato Times, Volume VII, Issue 378, 15 October 1874, Page 2

NGARUAWAHIA. (By our Travelling Reporter.)

Having visited all the other townships in the Waikflto, and given a description of their progress, I purpose writing of Xgaruawahia. I was much struck at tho increase in the -number of buildings ; the township, from being more compactly built, is more imposing than others with a largoi population. Since my last visit, there have been at least twenty buildings erected. On taking a walk round with a resident as guide, I discovered that two lurge shops, with dwelling houses at the back, have been j erected in tho main street, nearly opposito the store

ot Mr Fitzpafcrick, one is already in. the occupation ] of Messrs Salmon a-id Son?, tailors, and the other unoccupied ; when theso buildings aro completed, they will add much to the appearance of the place. I noticed also that the shops in the occupation of Mr ITedger and Mr Ransome aro having new and attractive windows put to them. Mr Thomas, the late host of the Central Hotel, has added considerably to the stables in his occupation ; he has now stalls for seventeen horses. He has also erected a small building as a boarding house ; I noticed that the building, though limited in size, has two doors — one small and the other largo. I was told by the proprietor, who is an eminently practical man, that the small door is for the admission and the laiger for the egress of his customers. He anticipates, evidently, that by adopting his system of diet his customers will more than outvie even him in the possession of noble proportions. Immediately adjoining Mr Thomas's stables is a new smith's shop in the occupation of Mr Stock, who is an en-gine-fitter by trade, but is ready to practice the lower branches of his calling when required. Adjoining the old established blacksmith's shop of Mr Butcher a carriage factory lias been erected, presided over by Mr Wells. I found, upon going inside, that there is no longer necessity to import buggies, or any other kind of wheeled conveyance. I was much pleased with the workmanship displayed on a buggy in the course of construction. On the bank of the river a boat building shed caught my attention. I interviewed the proprietor Mr Ross, who courteously showed me over the premises. A tine pleasure boat was on the stocks in the shed, and immediately alongside a barge is building, we understand for Mr Edgecumbe. It is to be forty feet long and capable of carrying about forty tons. A watchmaker has started in business in a house adjoining Mr Edgecumbe's store ; he makes no show of any kind, but I was informed that he gets a very fair share of patronage from those blessed with unruly timepieces, When passing the old established soda-water manufactory of Mr Newell, I noticed steam issuing from a pip?. My curiosity was excited, and on walking in, I found the maker of cooling drinks hard at work bottling. In place of the machine being turned as of yore by manual labor, I found a compact little engine of four-horse power (nominal) doing the hard work. Mr Newell informed me that lie had plenty of power to work two machines, and that it was his intention to apply it during the ensuing summer. It is to be hoped that plenty of custom will reward tlie energy of the proprietor. I am glad to see that the trees planted in the township have all been securely fenced ; they will in a few years, if taken care of, add greatly to the natural picturesqueneas of the town. The octagon, in the centre of which is King Potatou's tomb has been planted with three rows of ornamental trees. The tomb is certainly one of the most curious pieces of architecture I ever remember tp have seen, and as the King's body is not beneath it, the sooner the elements demolish it the bettei. The new telegraph office is exactly like those recently erected in Hamilton and Te Awamutu ; it is a heavy looking building and not well suited for the purpose it is designed ; the rooms are exceedingly small ; if the assumption of a wife were prohibited to all telegraph officials, we could understand the design. I notice that the Waikato photographer, Mr Lowe has his moveable house erected on a plot of ground adjoining Mr Fitzpatrick's. The pegs mai-king the proposed route of the railway through the township are numerous It will necessitate the pulling down of five houses, including the office of the Waikato Times. The station will be a little past the Bank of New Zealand. Great things are anticipated by the inhabitants from the railway. I trust that they will be realized. There car be no doubt that the township is very favorably situated for the establishment of manufactures.