TAUPO.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 5086, 27 May 1878, Page 2

TAUPO.

[from oue own correspondent.] May 23. On Saturday last two travellers arrived here weary and footsore, having started from Cambridge with the intention of proceeding to Whanganui with as little delay as possible, but not being well informed as to the stages of the road, had, unluckily for them, by nightfall been obliged to camp out three miles beyond a native settlement, where, adapting themselves to circumstances as best they could, they lit their fire and tethered | their horses. The wily savage, seeing the '

unsuspeoting pakeha pass the only shelter available, and not being able to take the stranger in by legitimate means, was not to be baulked; so, following unseen in his path, and when unconscious in the arms of Morpheus, quietly walked .4£ with the horses, leaving the unfortunates to find their way as best they could to Taupo afoot, but as they lost themselves crossing the Tokoroa plain, they did not easily accomplish their task. Congratulations only can be offered to these travellers for having got off so easily. I am happy to see that civilisation is making great strides in these parts. A new industry has started here within the last month— to wit, a smithy, under the management of Mr Brady. It is to be regretted that the Government have not taken a lead in encouraging the exertions made by our enterprising townsman by giving him their work, which, in my mind, would be a great saving to the Government, and a benefit to the local disciple of Vulcan. A butchering establishment has also been started, and the indefatigable Mr Orowther deserves great credit for the plucky manner in which he has entered into this branch of trade. The loyal inhabitants of Taupo intend celebrating the anniversary of Her Majesty's birth with a ball, at which all the elite of Taupo will be present. These pleasant reunions tend to pass pleasantly our otherwise monotonous existence. I regret to learn that we are shortly to lose the present commanding officer and R.M. , Major Eoberts, who is to be transferred to some more important position, but the disappointment is somewhat allayed on hearing that Major Scannell, who has previously gained so much popularity in the district, is to replace him. The coach a short time back had a very narrow escape during a gale of wind in the bush, a huge totara tree falling right across the road and nearly striking the leaders in its fall, and throwing them on their haunches in avoiding it. Accidents of this kind are sure to be of frequent occurrence as long as the bush is not I cleared for a chain at least on either side . of the road. The present system is a misplaced economy which will no doubt at some time cause serious loss of life and limb. The weather latterly has been intensely cold. The mountains of Tongariro and Ruapehu are appearing in all their majesty deeply covered with a mantle of snow, while the crater on the former stilly yawns out in its blackness, emitting dense clouds of vapor.