DESCRIPTIVE HAND-BOOK TO THE WAIKATO: ITS CONDITION AND RESOURCES.

Waikato Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1197, 28 February 1880, Page 2

DESCRIPTIVE HAND - BOOK TO THE WAIKATO : ITS CONDITION AND RESOURCES.

We are in receipt of Mr W. B. Langbridge's "Descriptive Handbook to the Waikato : its condition and resources," and short guide to the Hot Lakes. In the prefatory chapter the compiler refers to the many difficulties which he has had to contend against in the performance of his task, and apologises for its want of completeness ; and having a pretty general acquaintance with the subject in hand, we can fully appreciate the difficulty which must have been experienced in attempting to compress into space so limited a complete guide to the Waikato and Lake Country. Taking account of this, it must be allowed that the work has been fairly well done. The descriptions of the different Waikato townships and places of interest, while there is a pervading sameness in the phraseology, are frequently adorned with passages of sprightly composition which tend to relieve the monotony incident to all works of this nature. The portion of the book devoted to the "notable estates" in Waikato is thoroughly reliable, considerable pains having been taken to render the descriptions as trustworthy as possible. With A r ery little reservation this praise may be extended to all the parts dealing with the position and progress of agriculture in Waikato. On this subject information is lavishly afforded, in marked contrast with the meagrene&s of that respecting the Hot Lakes. A combination of adverse circumstances must have prevented due attention being given to this latter subject, for in no sense of the word can the pamphlet be said to answer the requirements of a g-uide to the Rotorua country. To the younger colonists and to new comers the wellwritten narrative of the events connected with the signing of peace between the chief Tompson and General Carey, will prove of especial interest, and it is much to be regretted that a little space has not been devoted to the narratian of similar incidents connected with a district so rich in the required materials, While the book is possessed of many excellent qualities its prinepal blemishes ai-e, the 'too frequent recurrence of vulgar Americanisms, and the rather lavish expenditui c of praise on all and everything. The pamphlet is very neatly printed and stitched, though the want of a cover gives it a somewhat bare appearance, It is dedicated, by permission, to the Hon. the Attorney -General, and will, there is little doubt, prove of much use in extending information regarding the Waikato, into quarters were such knowledge is likely to result in benefit to the district.