WAITOA.

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1303, 4 November 1880, Page 2

WAITOA.

The more the thoughtful and observant mind becomes acquainted with this district the more its various natural charms and anticipated future prospects arrest its attention. Pursuing the road from the Waitoa bridge, the traveller «oon finds himself ascending a gentle" eminence opposite Mr Collins's, when suddenly a splendid panorama bursts upon the scene. From this point the spectator sees before him, and on each side, one immense plain of level and unbroken country, richly clad with Nature's ever bountiful herbage, and exhibiting iv various places fields, whose verdure bears testimony to the skill, energy, and industry of the enterprising settlers. To the right may be seen, at respective distances apart, the several homesteads of a class of settlers who justly harmonise Avith the district, and upon whom one cannot help expressing the words of Goldsmith, "That a brave peasantry is surely a country's pride." On the left the river Waitoa winds its way through its well-wooded course, and past the valuable property and homely residence of Mr Parr; while in front the lofty mountain peak Te Aroha rises majestically in the air, and snpplies rivulets to the charming Waihou River, which flows along its base with " uncontrolled meanderings."

Gold Prospects at Te Aroha. The Te Aroha mountain is creating great excitement at present in the minds of people, owing to its declared auriferous nature. Several prospecting parties are at work, and very good specimens of the highly-prized and much coveted mineral has been found. Many will be inclined to doubt the authenticity of this; but, still lying aside all positive proof one would be inclined to say on looking at and considering the physical appearance and resources of the district, that nature could not possibly have denied the stately mountain peak a participation in the diffusion of its oharmb. In addition to the apparent luxuriance of plant growth, and the profitable production of live stock, should the goldfield turn out productive of good, people will ultimately begin to look upon this locality, with its mountain, river, and glade, aB one of the favorite spots of the new Canaan. With to plant-growth : I particulary noticed splendid paddocks of solium halicum and solium perenne, belonging to the Campbell Brothers, and on the property of Mr Parr, fields of trifoltum, which I hire &eldom seen equalled in the old soil. All this accounts for, no doubt, the natural richness of the soil in those constituent indispensible for the growth of plants. — [A Cobrespoodent.]