RAGLAN.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2107, 9 January 1886, Page 2

RAGLAN.

Seven weeks have passed away, and still no sign of rain here. Though it is not quite as bad as "water, water, everywhere, and not a drop to drink," yet this is the driest season for years past, and if it was not for the beautiful streams flowing in every part of our district, the poor cattle would be badly off. In the open land, of course here as elsewhere, the grass and clover are dry enough, but in the glades of the forrest and bush clearings the grass is still green and feed abundant ; how long it may continue if this weather holds out I cannot say. It cannot be of long duration. Most days we have cloudless skies, except when heavy fires are raging in the swamps of Waikato, and then smoke abounds. Last night a heavy bush fire was raging at the base of Karioi, and from its lurid glare and thick smoke must have burnt fiercely. However, it was away from the homes of the settlers. During the last week of the old year we were honoured by the presence of many visitors from Hamilton and other parts of Waikato, who came over to pay us a visit; the Mayor of Hamilton, W. A. Graham Esq. and other gentlemen and ladies. And they thoroughly enjoyed their visit, either in walking about the shores of the harbour, being refreshed by the glorious westerly breeze, bringing in ozone from the briny deep, boating upon its rippling waters, catching fish, etc, or mounting up the slopes of Karioi, examining the excellent crops of the settlers growing on the mountain side, or looking around them on the glorious view presented northward, over many a bold and rugged headland, right away beyond Black Rock and Waikato Heads, to the north of Manukau harbour looming in the distance. Turning around their gaze, they saw beneath them around the township of Raglan, the beautiful harbour stretching here and there for miles in every direction, appearing like as many lakes, around whose shore might have been the castles of old Feudal times, but were only bold and rugged limestone rocks cut out by Nature's hand into many a varied form. What a depth of varied colour on the face of the bold cliffs overhanging the deep blue sea, or the many hues depicted in the sky, land, and water, whilst pleasing the visitors would have delighted the imagination of Ruskin. Raglan has been full of visitors for some weeks now, and one and all are highly satisfied with the accommodation provided. Bathing conveniences are being provided for ladies and children in a secluded and safe part of the harbour, and in all respects we are anxious not only to secure visitors, but in all ways to promote their comfort and pleasure whilst here. That they will receive great benefit to their health we feel quite sure. Our Hot Springs, too, should be looked after. If the land they are upon was made a public domain and vested in a domain board, baths in hotel, and houses of accommodation erected, visitors would soon

come, and the lame, the sick, and the overworked receive benefit. They could be boiled to their heart's content in the Hot Springs, getting rid of their ailments, and afterwards come down to Raglan and get braced up by its sea bathings, etc. Natives in the past, from Tawhiao down, have received great benefit from these springs. Wonderful cures have been made in many diseases, rheumatism, scrofula, gout, chest complaints, and if true, all " the ills that flesh is heir to;" you only want "faith, they say, to get cured." Messrs Moon, S Wilson, and Vercoe were out on Monday and Tuesday last, prospecting for coal up the harbour, following up Mr Fergusson's search. They found large blocks of coal in the creek, but no seam of any thickness. That a large quantity of coal is near the the township and all around the harbour is self-evident. Either the Government should be requested to send a geologist, or the settlers should employ an expert. To go into the thing except in earnest is only throwing money away. The people here have entered upon the coming year with every hope before them, determined to do their best to bring out the resources of the district. Messrs Phillips, Munro, Vercoe and Co. are about to erect another lime kiln. The steamer Hannah Mokau took a full cargo of lime away last trip from them and Mr Ferguson. The oat crop is nearly carried in this district. Considering the dry season it was a very good one. Potatoes show well, but if the present weather continues cannot be as good as other years. Maize in the native cultivations is looking splendid. Other crops have suffered for want of rain, but not nearly to the same extent as in Waikato. Major and Mrs Jackson arrived here the day before yesterday, and are staying at Sutton's Temperance Hotel. The sky this morning is covered with white, fleecy clouds, and weather reports from Commander Edwin foretell a change, with rain. Of late, however, they have so often come without being verified that even in this case the hoped-for rain may not come. Wishing all "A Happy and Prosperous New Year." — (Own Correspondent, Jan. 7).