TE AROHA.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2272, 1 February 1887, Page 2

TE AROHA.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Te Akoha, Monday. Anniversary day was not much observed here. Most of the business people kept their establishments open as usual, and the number of holiday-makers among the residents was very small. After the arrival of the excursion train, however, which brought from Auckland and other places along the line some three hundred and fifty or four hundred passengers, the streets presented a more lively appearance than usual. To the great majority of the visitors the domain and baths were the chief objects of attraction, but a number of them found their way to Waiorongomai, while a few, not deterred by the excessive heat, ascended the mountain as far as the short time at their disposal would allow. At 5.30 the sound of the engine whistle announced the time for departure, and, after a brief stay of five hours, the excursionists started on their homeward journey. It would add much to the popularity of these cheap excursions trips if passengers instead of being bound to return by the same train had the option of going by ordinary train on the following day. If such arrangement were made the number of excursionists on occasions of the kind would be materially increased, as many persons who would like a trip are deterred from making it by the wearisome double journey in one day.

It is to be hoped that the Piako County Council at their next meeting will give effect to Councillor Murphy's motion to have a small sum of money expended in constructing a bridle track over the mountain to connect with the upper track near the Colonist mine, and give an easy means of ascent to the trig station on the summit. As remarked by Councillor Firth in supporting the proposal, it would, apart from its usefulness for prospecting purposes, be of great advantage to the residents, and would be a boon to visitors, numbers of whom are unable to climb the hill by the present path, which, in one or two places, is in a somewhat dangerous state. The carrying out of this important work will entitle the council to the gratitude of both visitors and residents here. After their lengthened holidays teachers and pupils will re-assemble fer duty in the district school to-day. THE LATEST. (by telegraph.—own correspondent.) Te Aroha, Monday. Sir Frederick Whitaker, accompanied by soine members of his family, arrived here this afternoon on a short visit. Two large blocks of ground recently taken up for mining by Mr J. B. Smith aud Mr P. Ferguson at the northern end of the Waiorongomai field are about to be surveyed. Mr Bayldon having come up from the Thames for that purpose. Appearances indicate a fall of rain, which is much wanted in the district. At Waiorongomai, crushing operations are again almost at a standstill through the scarcity of water.