THE GOVERNOR AT CAMBRIDGE.

Waikato Times, Volume XI, Issue 899, 28 March 1878, Page 2

THE GOVERNOR AT CAMBRIDGE.

REVIEW OF THE WAIKATO CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS.

" t eleven o'clock on Tuesday morn* ing, the vaiions detachments of the Waikaoo Cavalry Volunteers, Major Jackson m command, mustered iv •the township and proceeded down to Mr Fantham's paddocks, where there were already a large number of spectators. The held, iv fact, was filled, as' on a race day, with carriages and horsemen, and a largo number of ladies were, also, present The muster of --Cavalry was a good one, nearly 100 mounted men ap

ashore, and walked across country a distance of about three miles, when we were astonished to find quite a little township of whares. We had not time to make enquiries where we were before we were invited, or rather dragged, into the oook house, and made to sit down to a good hearty meal, such a meal as any one can enjoy after a good journey. PannicaDS of tea, plenty of beef, spuds, and duff were put before us. We were soon enlightened as to our whereabouts it being no other than Mr Roycrofi's camp, uod that gentleman kiudly volunteered to show us over the Piako Swamp Compawy'a works, he being contractor for the draining m this particular locality. After bavin? a smoke we started alono- the main draiu, or rather it should be called canal. It is about twenty feet wide, and from teu to twelve feet deep. It is here one may see what effect draining has. Where once no man could attempt to move without sinking up to his arm pits m the swamp, a buggy and pair may now be driven for about two mi es, the soil comm? out of the drain having been utilized and converted into a first-class road. Having arrived at the work now m progress here, we find a large party of strong stalwart men wiring m, up to their waists m water, pitching the stuff out. How it is possible for these men to work m water and muck, as they do day after day, is more than I could venture to answer. Surely the Piako Swam]) Company's Engineer must have hard times of it m surveying such a country before the spade and axe commence their work. We now retrace our steps, and go further inland, crossing several bridges that are really a credit to the builder and architect. It is now that we see dry land. After having crossed the first bridge over the canal, we come on te where the ploughs have been at work — as far as Towhai Creek ; then, after passing through a magnificent bush, which, will eventually be of valuable service to the Company, we find several single and double furrow ploughs at work, and Mr Drabble, the contractor for tbe ploughing, informs me that he has turned over about 800 acres within the last four months. My compauiond, who are practical farmers, declare the land to be second to none m Waikato. We are now getting tired after so long a walk, and I heartily wish that the Company would, m conjunction with their other work, spend a few pounds m snagging the creek, so that one could do the whole of the journey by water. I am informed by those who know the creek .thoroughly that if such were done a small steamer could easily run up a distance of nearly twenty miles. We arrived once more at Mr Roycroft's camp, and, after a substantual wjre m at his tucker, and being stimulated by seeing some first class dancing, and heating the melodious notes of the flute, we wend our way back, and reach the Taupiri Hotel at 10 p.m. tired and thirsty.-— Own Correspondent.