OMAHU NOTES.

Hastings Standard, Issue 81, 30 July 1896, Page 3

OMAHU NOTES.

[FKOM QL'B Own COP,KESPONT>E N T . ] O.MAKT-, July 80. By sloppy roads, showery weather, old 'age, chilblains, and numerous other ills that all flesh is heir to, I am heavily handicapped for news in this issue. With the near approach of longer days and roads more suitable for pedestrianism, I hope to be able to go further afield for information, and to be m a position to let the world in general, and the inhabitants ofHawke's Bay in particular, know of the importance and of all the resources of our district; of things we have, and again of things we stand in need of, and of things we have riot a possible chance of ever being possessed of. I maintain that there is a great future in store for us, surrounded as we are with unbounded alluvial land of the very best agricultural description, described by all uninterested experts as being second to none in New Zealand ; rivers teeming with every description of the finny tribe that only want catching; and mountains abounding with the richest of mineral ores that only want getting, to make endless fortunes. Again, I say, why should there not be a great future in store for us of Omahu ? Great will be the lamentatations in time to come that sections were not secured in the rising town of Fernhill for business sites, and I strongly advise holders of sections to hold fast to them—there is money in them. It gives me the greatest pleasure to be able to say that Host Ramsay of that ilk is in a far better state of health at present than he has enjoyed lately. There are very few in this province who don't know Peter. He is one of our very oldest pioneers, and has done a lion's share in the advancement of cultivation here. We all hope he may enjoy good health for a long time yet to come. I mentioned in my last letter of the ravages committed on the different flocks around here by mongrel dogs. There are many dogs —well bred ones —in the near vicinity of Fernhill that would be better on the chain. It is not pleasant to have half-a-dozen dogs bursting through a hedge and heeling up the horse you may be riding or driving. I hope the hint may be taken as it is given—in good part, pro bono publico. What was Napier's loss is Ngapuke's gain. Mr W. Broughton has erected extensive implement sheds and other very useful buildings with the material that was saved from the devouring element at Palmer's stablesi in the late fire. The same gentleman has gone extensively into the erection of buildings, but there is one I could mention, if space permitted, i> ore badly wanted than any that has betn yet erected. Sickness o£ a peculiar form has lately been rather prevalent amongst the Natives out this way. It starts with sore throat and a general sickified feeling, and then the head swells to tin enormous size, Is one of the cases have as jet proved L*.tal. Further developments pre anxiously waited for. | I, amongst others, cordially welcome back our energetic Chaii man of the County Council, and all of _ us hope be bias thoroughly enjoyei l him-■..-X ■ ■ .1 ■' * - liaiilS ! 4: Mtk -.yfe..:it"''fei ■ ■ ■■: §■: ! : :,

sell while being away. It is very seldom he takes a holiday. Another well-known faco to me I liad also the pleasure of seeing with our worthy Chairman, and that was Mr Rich, the respected father of Mrs Shrimp ton. It is now many years to look back since I first saw Mr Rich, away back in the early sixties on his model estate. Pleasant Valley, Otago. Very few individuals have done more to advance New Zealand in every way than he has, and as a breeder of sheep he has had 110 equal. To secure the best possible strains of blood, money with him was no object. Time has dealt very lightly with him, and he is one of our pioneers that we may feel proud of. If my memory serves me correctly I think it was the great immortal " Will," the bard o£ Avon, or Scotland's cherishad idol, the great Burns, who remarked : " Build not your houses on the sand." This would have applied well to some of us here if bridges had had been included.