Awanui.

Northland Age, Volume 2, Issue 44, 12 June 1906, Page 3

Awanui.

(From our own Correspondent.) The week just passed has been the first real wintry one experienced this season. It commenced with cold squally showers and eventually winding up with heavy rains, caused a flood of considerable magnitude, but of short duration. The volunteers went into camp at the beginning of the week, and were unfortunate in meeting with such unfavourable weather for going through their evolutions. They met with a novel experience, their camps being flooded during.' the night, and one may imagine the chagrin of some of the unfortunates when groping for pipe and matches to find a sheet of water instead, thus adding to the discomfort of many. Although their clothing and bedding gave things a forloni appearance, it did not at all cast a damper upon theimen’B spirits, as I understand it rather added to their hilarity. We must presume that the rain water had not so far blended with the spirits; don’t misconstrue this, please. This movement (I mean the volunteer) does not appear to me to be as popular now as it was a few years ago. Then it was conspicuous by the great amount of energy and zeal imparted into it, but now one can scarcely realise that such a thing as a volunteer corps exists in this district, except on an occasion such as the present, when we see them mounted and moving to and from the camp. Mr. Bertie Matthews is the captain of the corps, and one and all of the men speak very highly of his ability and suitableness for the position. This is just what one would expect to hear of him, because in all matters with which he is connected there is any amount of “go ” in him. Dr. Eccles, for the first time, I believe, since the corps was formed, was not in camp with the men. This was probably due to the very unfavourable weather. The recent flood reached Awanui on Friday. Formerly about three days intervened between the time of its showing at Kaitaia before it broke out at

Awanui, but on the present occasion less time elapsed by a daj\ I think the explanation of this is simply due to the fact that the river bed has been partially cleared of snags and Willows to make room for a launch or barge to be taken as far. as Mr. R. V. Johnston’s stor* at Kaitaia. Another notable fact connected with this flood is the short time it remained, as at present there is no indication from the appearance of the river that there had been a flood at all, which would appear to demonstrate that if the liver were thoroughly cleaned there would be no more floods of a very serious nature to do much damage. It might be worth the settlers’ while to make a note of thb\ with a view of doing something in this direction.

Our roads are wonderfully good for this time of the year; in fact, they have not been better at any time during the summer than at present. The surface is bard and polished and free from dust. It is many years since I can remember a similar circumstance existing in June. We have had two itinerant lay preachers in this neighbourhood for about six weeks. I refer to Messrs. Stephenson and Pearson. I think they belong to thw fraternity of the Plymouth Brethren; they call themselves Christian Brethren, but this term is very vague, inasmuch that we all claim to be Christians, and it must be admitted that some of the tenets of this new creed, to say the least, ure extremely crude. Nevertheless they are very energetic in carrying out their duties, and they have induced a number of young and old to take a cold water bath—l mean immersion. Ido not mean to infer there is anything wrong iu this ; on the contrary, when we halt to consider the increasing propensity to criminality iu the district, there is ample room ior a regenerating influence being brought to bear, and it is hoped that the now converts will exercise an influence over the district, improving its tone and code of morals. If they succeed in this they will have accomplished a good work.

Mr. A. Long lias about completed the buildings at Mangatete for his timber mill, and a good part, of the machinery is now on the ground ready for putting in place. I understand that the latest improvements in machinery for saw milling will be included in this plant, which has now passed the initial stage, as men are seen wending their way towards the bush carrying now axes over their shoulders. This is a proof that work will soon be iu full swing at Mangatete. Mr. Long has the good will of one and all, and his success * ill bo welcomed.