TAUPO.

Hot Lakes Chronicle, Volume 4, Issue 180, 13 May 1896, Page 2

TAUPO.

[from our owx correspondent.] Last week a nice lot of draught horses passed through from the Wairiirapa district to Cambridge. They wifl probably find their way to the Thames and Coromandel Goldfields where there is Ji ely to be an increasing demand as the mines are* developed. Signs of the dispersion of the Parliamentary parties of the natives are seen in the returti of several a'nd rumoured migration of many more. The heavy rain during last week Washed a few holes, etc., in our roads in all du-ec-fions, but the staff so employed quickly effected repairs. The heaviest slips are reported on the Tokaanu roa*l, espeeially in the gorge, the scene .of the shakes " in August last. A commencement lias been made With our long promised road round the Public Domain Reserve/ Fish are reported as being very plentiful in the lake and river, but their exact description is varied, many thinking they are trout/.-Some of the fish are quite three feet long, and if they are in such large quantities,- the* free use should not be far distant. The proposal of the Government to plant some of our otherwise barren land with trees meets with general satisfaction as it has long b6en advocated that the many many acres of the dreary plains and hills could be made fruitful by the judicious planting of trees of all description. Tho numerous shelter and fruit treeswhich exist at tho present time should he sufficient proof that the soil is worth something and conld be made better in course of time. With an ample supply of fruit and timber Taupo should prove to be one of the most healthful resorts of the North Island, as the keen bracing air is invigorating to young and old, while the lake and I'noiJi:tains givfe a coiitinual feast to the lover of scenery and those disposed to the beautiful. The -success of plantations on tlleitangiriri hills which were previously desolate and barren is sufficient proof of .the feasibility of the project of planting the plains in question. As regards feed for horses and cattle'it has been noticed how the clover now spreads where it has the opportunity and when encouraged, due principally to the wonderful fertilising power the humble bees (recently introduced and now found in this direction) give to this herbage. Could not the- matter be. farther investigated and more seed and bees introduced? —lt is worthy of earefwl enquiry and trial for anything that would make the otherwise barren land to bring forth dantly means nmjilc reward for many.