A MOONLIGHT RIDE TO AND FROM ALEXANDRA.

Waikato Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1210, 1 April 1880, Page 3

A MOONLIGHT RIDE TO AND FROM ALEXANDRA.

On the night of Wednesday, the 24th ult., I had occasion to visit Alexandra, and as I had never 1 been on the Paterangi road, I resolved to proceed that way to " the village of the plain " — the boasted "Auburn " of the Waikato. Accordingly, when I found myself at the crossroads, Te Rahu, at 6 o'clock p.m., I turned my steed to the right and soon reached the Ngaroto railway station, which is distant from the crossroads about three-quarters of a mile. The station and goods shed are situated on the Te Awamutu side of the road in Mr Westney's paddock, both buildings being well advanced towards completion. Paterangi contains some of the best land in the Waikato, and the farms and farmhouses, with their wealth of trees and evergreens, give to this district a real English appearance. When passing the farm of Mr H. Roche, a good view is obtained of the beautiful Ngaroto Lake with its several green islets, the largest of which is, I believe, fully an acre in extent, and, being well sheltered with shrubs and weeping willows, would form a delightful spot for a picnic. The next object of interest is a building with an inscription on the comer which in* forms you that said building is the Paterangi Post-office ; and, from certain indubitable signs, you conclude that it is also a school. A large triangle of iron or steel, projecting from a pole attached to the building near the letter-box, does duty for a bell and summons the children to " fall in," and would no doubt be used to alarm the neighborhood in case of a fire. Whether this musical instrument is of the right metal I know not ; but, from its elaborate finish, hanging, and conspicuous position, I make no doubt that it possesses the true ring and is useful as j well as ornamental. But, somehow, the Paterangi musical triangle recalled to my mind thoughts of the barbarous time when bell-founding was in its infancy, and had no particular form of model to imitate. Rabbits, pheasants, and pukekos are very plentiful in this district, which is one of the best in Waikato for the sportsman. From the time I left the Ngaroto railway station I did not meet or see a human being till I came within about a quarter of a mile of Alexandra, when I met two horsemen. A most lonely road truly ! Arrived at the Alexandra Hotel I saw my old friend Mr T. Finoh. whose genial smile and kindly greeting dispelled the gloomy feeling of isolation brought on by my solitary ride. Going out into the street to take a synopsis of the village I met the Rev. Mr Phillips, who had arrived here from Te Awamutu about the bamo time as myself. This gentleman had come — as is b,is custom every Wednesday evening — to hqld a, chqir praatice in St, Saviqur's, one of the neatest, little ahurahes in the Waikato. In company with Mr Neil McLeod, the courteous and respected constable, I strolled round the village, which, however it may look in daylight, is really beautiful beneath the "silvery lamp of night." Pirongia, like a guardian giant of the plain seemed to be keeping watch and ward over the peaceful village, while the pa> n )Q°.a iv fte pl§ntitu.cte pf for glory sailed majestically around her accustomed arc. At 10 p.m. I bid good-bye to mine host and hostess at the Alexandra, and started for Te Awamutu, by the upper road, in company with Sergeant Webb, of the Armed Constabulary, Kihikihi. The sergeant is one of the dro lest and best fellows I ever met. I don't know whether he is an Irishman ; if he is not he ought to be, for I think none but a native of the Emerald Isle could be so full of anecdote, wit, and humour, or so apt in iUustratigq. We reached T-e jJ'flN&wfc. anc[ being, in, qq g-Qqd company I was sorry 1 liad not larther to go. I saw Constable Gillies doing duty on City Square, between the Commercial Hotel and the Post Office. This wakeful individual is the last man in Te Awamutu to go to bed. Rambler.

Many a truo heart tyaf mvifil hayp come \ynqk, }i\e the 4qve to tfte ark, after its §r-t transgrP |! "-ion, has toeu f rightfned beyond pec ill by the savag 1 * nature of an unforgiving spirit.