NGARUAWAHIA.

Waikato Times, Volume XVI, Issue 1404, 2 July 1881, Page 3

NGARUAWAHIA.

THE!RE y &re few in the Waikato aware that at the back of ' the Hakkramata ranges, and stretching from the Coal mines to the Manga (Firewood) Greek, lies a pretty extensive valley of very fair undulating fern land, beautifully sheltered, and well adapted for settlement under the Homestead Act. This district is easily approached, either by -way of the Coal Mines or Firewood Creek. Ab >the former place there is a good, road just completed, extending from the Waikato River some miles inland, while at the latter there is a good bullock road from the Waipa River to the verge of the land in question. In the back country there are numerous herds of wild cattle and pigs, while most of the land is well suited to the growth of potatoes, corn, vines, and fruit trees, and as a cattle run it is unrivalled. The road on the "\tast banks of the Waikato and Waipa rivers if opened would materially assist in settling miles of this good district. , The settlers are using every exertion to have it opened. Although the Newcastle District Board are indebted to that side some £300, I fear there is little chance of guilds being available in that quarter; their own wants and general impecuniosity being more than sufficient for their present exchequer. It is, however, earnestly to be hoped that our popular M.H.R. will do something towards obtaining Government assistance, and will bear in mind that the Waipa settlers deserve something at his hands. There is another matter of importance in connection with Ngaruawahia, which is also in obscurity. I allude to the fine racecourse reserve now vested in the hands of trustees. This property is situated about a milo eastward of the township, and has the Horotni River for its northern, while the railway ' and Great South Road form the southern boundary, thus affording easy facility to every individual living between Auckland and the confiscated boundary to come and return on the same day. lam informed that a good course can be laid off. The hotel and stable accommodation are excellent, and the settlers of the immediate district have hitherto assisted in getting up pretty fair prizes for local races. If the Waikato rival Jockey Clubs would amalgamate, and, to prevent all local jealousies, give this course a trial I have no fear for the result. Auckland turfites would I am sure be strongly in favor of it. The trustees intend getting the place fenced and put in grass forthwith, and the public will then be able to judge of the character of the course. There is great need for a new Courthouse here, as the present old shanty which does duty for one looks like a sieve, and is quite out of the way. Dull as times are, T prognosticate that in a very short time the general appearance of the lands surrounding this township will wear quite a different aspect. The sugar and flour policy of the Native Office and locking up of lands are, thank heaven, things of the past, save and except so far as that loyal and disinterested individual Wiremu Te Wheoro can get his finger m the pie. — [Own Correspondent, June 30th.]