PLAKO.

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1267, 12 August 1880, Page 2

PLAKO.

Mb G. S. O'Halloban, the spirited proprietor of the Hot Springs Hotel at Te Aroha, having got the punt completed and in " working order on a wire rope, invited a number of friends to be present at the formal opening of the affair on the 7th instant. The members of the Road Board having received invitations to b3 present at the opening of the punt decided to inspect the roads in that direction at the same time. Two of the members of the Board, together with the Secretary, spent the Friday night un.der the hospitable roof of Mr and Mrs Gould. The party on Saturday morning, escorted by Mr Gould, after an hour's ride through that gentleman's property, during which they gave a helping hand to pull a bullock out of a ditch, reached the Waitoa bridge to meet the other members of the Board and their friends. After inspecting gome road works in that neighborhood, a start was made for the punt, which was reached abouc noon. Having secured the horses, the party got on board the punt, which is really a very creditable affair, quite suitable for taking horses across. Mr O'Halloran took hold of the rope, and with very little effort crossed the Waihou River. During the passage • Mr W. P. Chepmell, Chairman of the Road Board, in very complimentary terms, thanked Mr O'Halloran, on behalf of the Board and the settlers, for his public spirited liberality in joining the two sides of the river by such a punt. He was sure now that the public have such a pleasant mode of crossing the river Mr O'Halloran will not lack visitors to his hotel and the adjoining hot baths, whose curative qualities are becoming pretty well known. After the conclusion of Mr Chepmell' s remarks three ringing cheers, with- 1 ' For he's a jolly good fellow," &c, were given with a V ill. Some little time after reaching the hotel a party of 16 sat down to a first rate spread, presided over by Mr Chepmell in the chair, and Mr R. Parr in the vice-chair. After the removal of the cloth the glasses were charged, and the usual loyal toasts drunk. Atter the glassses were again filled the Chairman, in very complimentary terms, proposed " The Health of Mr and Mrs O'Halloran." The toast was drunk with musical honors and deafening cheers. Mr O'Halloran returned thanks. After some other toasts were disposed of those of the party who were strangers to the wonders of the hot springs started to see them. After seeing the baths and feeling the temperature of the water in various places, a few of us went some distance up the Te Aroha mountain, from which we had a splendid view of the vast extent of plain before us. After being reconveyed across we said good-bye to our kind host, being well pleased with our day's pleasure.— (A Correspondent.)