TE AUTE.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 5415, 23 June 1879, Page 3

TE AUTE.

(PBOM A CORRESPONDENT.) I promised when I had made some stay here to give,; you .an outline of my impressions of the place and my, ideas on any topic of local interest. I had been absent for about twelve months previously, and was struck by r the change for the better, in the appearance of the country; even in that Bhqrt time. At all times a pioturesque neighborhood, its aspect is at present* surpassingly fine. Fat cattle are Drowsing up to their knees in rich pasture, and there is every promise that the feed will hold for the winter. Local industries, besides, that for a time appeared to be failing -are now beginning to flourish again. Mr Leibch has lately opened a large firewood fbush in which quite an army of men and traiu of bullock teams are to be employed. Mr Le Oouteur^s mill .is also in fulLi swing, working nigfctLandjflay-qn Mr Hevry Russell's corn. It would, be better for the country and its future.;ifit owned more men possessing the commercial enterprise and of "Mr Russell and Mr Le Couteur. ' - " .' ' :

But the good folk -of Te Ante' occasionally indulge in a little wholesome relaxation. Mr Masaey gave us a supper and ball last Tuesday, on the occasion, of his taffing the Te Ante Hotel. .Here we met friends who had conic to 1 " do "honor to the becasion from Waipukurau on one side and Hastings on the other, and all the intermediate stations. The evening passed bo pleasantly, and the dancing was kept.jip^with^such, spirit, that everyone seemed 'surprised when the beams of morning began to make the lamps burn pale. Jl&Massey, is already well-known and respe'oted' in Napier, and in his new position as landlord of the Te Aute Hotel bida fair to iucrease that respect, and extondjhis popularity., .. .. , TJe^ldciirboar^B^here want 'stirring up a little. I think,»that by a little energetic solicitation in" 'the" proper 'quarter, fchey could obtain what could be bbur.t r . simple justice to a neighbourhood of this importance. The school-house rja rnin, neither wind nor water-tight, and an old blacksmith's, shed, which never was nor will be fit for any other purpose is set apart aa t'the residence of the educated gentleman who holds the office of schoolmaster. AMittle inOiiey . should also be spent on the roads, which are getting into a shocking state of disrepair; =.■ -h To strangers, or occasional visitors, Te Aute offers peculiar attractions. The hotel accomodation for tourists, wedding parties, &c, ara&Ft'fiatf' -"could -be -desired. The lake and the surrounding country afford capital shooting, and" I understand Mr Williamßis not so exclusive a preverver of game as 'some of hiß'les3 liberal neighbours. ,

I was surprised^ oh passing the other day, to notice the fine house once the residence of Mr Walker, in the occupation of the natives, and on enquiring the reason/ was^ told that Mr Walker and his family had been expelled by force without any process .of legal procedure. Really I fanoie r d that.subh doings were peculiar to Tara'iiaki? ' The native cultivations here seem'toltyein'a backward state this year, and"offer a' striking contrast to the well tille^farms.of their white neighbours.