A TRIP TO THE PATETERE COUNTRY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XX, Issue 6832, 10 October 1883, Page 6

A TRIP TO THE PATETERE COUNTRY.

..No. 11l [BY Onit SPECIAL REPORTER.] LICHFIELD TO MATAMATA,

On Friday morning, the 28th ultimo, we started from Heany's Hotel, Lichfield, for Matamata, thirty-five miles distant. After striking and crossing the Oxford-Rotorua-road we got into .the road leading past Mangawhero to the magnificent estate of Matamata, belonging to Mr. J. C. Firth. En route we had a good view of the extensive blocks of land laid down ,by the Auckland Agricultural Company in grass, as well as those of private settlers. The Okoroire-block belonging to the above company is being surveyed into sections of from fifty to five hundred acres, but it has not been definitely decided yet when they will be put upon the market. Across the valley could be seen the cultivated farm of Mr. W. Ring (1000 acres), with its fine grass paddocks and ornamental plantation. At Mangawhero, formerly the estate of the Messrs. Martyn, of Cambridge, I but now the property of the Auckland Agricultural Company—we had an illustration of what can be accomplished by industry and perseverance. Taking in hand a block of 6000 acres of fern land, in one year, with two double-furrow ploughs and teams of horses, they ploughed and sowed down in grass 1100 acres. Here, at the time of our visit, clearing operations and ploughing were going on briskly. Pines had also been extensively planted, which added greatly to the beauty of the landscape. Further eastward could be seen, in the distance, the well kept farm of Mr. George Walker, its emerald pastures forming a pleasant - relief to the stretches of fern. The land appeared to be of a somewhat similar character to that higher up the valley, though possibly not quite so light, but there was no reason to doubt that what has been accomplished on the Auckland Agricultural Company's estates there, at Messrs. Ring's and Walker's farms, and at Mangawhero, can, with the exercise of similar industry, skill and capital, be repeated in scores of cases, throughout the Thames Valley and the Patetere country.

Some persons are of opinion that the chain of ranges and spurs extending southwards from Te Aroha are auriferous in their character, as well as Te Aroha proper. Time, the £ reat touchstone, will reveal whether that t.'eory is correct or otherwise. Mr. Isaac Marchessan, of Cambridge, who is well acquainted with that section of country, and is an old Californian "Forty-niner" and Victorian gold-digger, informed us that he had prospected the Okoroire Creek, but had failed to find the "colour." Near the line of the Taupo road, however, at Horohoro, he had come across promising quartz formations. THE MATAMATA ESTATES. After crossing the Mangawhero stream we entered the Matamata domains. Crossing over a tract of surface-sown land which has taken admirably, we entered the grand avenue—grand avenue we call it, because when completed it will be 23 miles long, and two chains wide—running right through the estate from the Waikato river to Stanley, on the river Thames. Owing to the simple but efficient system of nomenclature adopted by Mr. W. T. Firth, the manager of the estates, we shall have no difficulty in making the reader understand what we saw, and where we saw it. THE PADDOCKS AND STOCK. On our right all the paddocks were numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, &0., and on the left A, B, C, D, &c. We will begin with No. 1. This field, which contains about 700 acres, was one of the handsomest fields we have ever seen. It is covered with a thick sward of clover and grasses, and there is hardly a single frond of fern to be seen in the whole field. In this field were grazing 3500 hoggets, mostly grey-faces—that is, the first cross between the Lincoln and the Shropshire Downs. It is impossible that any flock could be ii finer, health,- and' present a finer physique than this splendid flock. The Southern visitors—Mr. James Smith (of Greenfield, Otago), and Mr. Reid (of Reid and Duncan, of Dunedin) — were most emphatic in their expressions of admiration, as groups of the sheep came under their special notice. We may observe, here, that Mr. Firth is in process of changing all his flocks from Lincolns to Shropshire Downs. He is convinced that the latter are the sheep for the country—Shropshire Down mutton being worth per lb. more than fat flabby Lincoln, and Down wool at least 3d per lb. over the long coarse Lincoln staple. Judging from the appearance of this really superb flock, we think Mr. Firth is right.

Looking to the left, we noticed in A paddock a herd of 250 dairy cows at the calving. It is difficult to say whether the quality of the cattle or the quality of the feed was best, but we think both would be difficult to beat. This mob of dairy cattle were reserved by Mr. Firth for supplying his proposed cheese factory, a complete English plant for which he has imported; but unforeseen difficulties having prevented the adoption of an economic system of milking cow 3, he has deferred for the present the erection of the factory. In consequence of this decision, we believe this fine herd of dairy cattle will be sold at Matamata about the 18th instant. We were told that this field, after being in clover for six or seven years, was ploughed and put in turnips, with 2Jcwt. superphospate drilled per acre. Unfortunately the fly took a large portion of the young plants, but curioußly enough, there sprung up a vigorous growth of rye and other grasses, thickly intermixed with one or two native grasses, which had not been seen in this part of the country before. We have very little doubt, when the sourness which the long growth of fern has communicated to the land has disappeared, that many native grasses, which we have very little reason to doubt, anciently covered the Matamata Plains, will once again make their appearance there.

Coming to paddock B; this is showing a rich growth of young clover, having been in wheat last year. Under the system of frequent changing of paddocks adopted on this estate, there were neither sheep nor cattle in B, the paddock having a "spell." On the right of. the avenue we came to No. 2. This paddock is about 700 acres. Last year it was cut twice for red clever hay, and yielded a total of 1500 tons. A large proportion of this has been pressed and sold, in the form of hay and chaff; the rest has been fed to the cattle and sheep in the adjacent fields. It is again shut up for hay, and presents as pretty an emerald green picture as can be Been any. where. In this field also not a trace of fern is to be seen.

Before we go further, we may mention the new style of gates Mr. Firth has adopted. They are double gates, the gateway being twenty feeb wide. The system of hanging and fastening is simple and effective. They are generally placed near the corner of each paddock, bo affording the means of handling large mobs of cattle or flocks of Bheep with, out difficulty. These wide gates also permit the entrance or exit of the different machines many of which are quite too wide for gates of the ordinary width. We next come to No. 3. No. 3 was in wheat last year, and sown down to clovers last spring. All traces of fern and stubble' have disappeared, and it now presents as fine a green sward as could be desired. This paddock is also shut up for clover hay. In paddock C there are 250 cows' paddock and stock both looking well. The next in order is D, 800 acres in extent This field was in turnips last year; has earned hundreds of cattle and thousands of sheep through the winter and early spring • and has now been disc harrowed and put in clovers. It is in fine order.

On\the right of the avenue we next come to No. 4, which is in winter wheat. The wheat looks very healthy, keeping close to the ground and tillering abundantly In accordances with Mr. Firth's custom, this field has recently been sown down to clovers rolled in with Cambridge rolls. ' We next como to No. 5. This paddock contains about 1000 acres, and has been down to grass about five years. Next season it is intended to plough it, and put it in winter wheat.

N °3- 6 and 7 there was a fine flock of 1300 ewes, with their lambs, all grey-faces This as well as the-other ewe flocks have lambed down uncommonly well this season due no doubt to the hardier Shropshire Down strain. .-.-■■ There are 700 yearlings inNo. 8, grazing on young clover after wheat stubbles, and lookmgwell. The next paddock,. No. 9, is grazing 250 steers;-rising two', years old. It would be difficult in this or any other colony to find a

Handsomer young herd than this splendid lot j 'of shorthorns. The greatest care has evidently been taken in the selection; of, sires and dams, and, the result is a. very high average Of quality. ' , '" ; .; *- n '. In No. 10 are grazing a flock of 1300 ewes, which have just Jambed down grey-faces, mostly doubles. As yet, owing to the clear, frosty weather, hardly any loss of lambs has occurred in this or any of the other owe flocks. We much fear, however, that the very severe weather which occurred shortly after onr departure will have caused considerable mortality.

Scattered over different parts of the estate, i of which ws could only obtain a bird's-eye view, were grand paddocks a mile and a-half square, one containing about 600 calves, another some 1500 ewes, and others mobs of two or three hundred cows, most of which were about the calving. The general appearance of the feed upon the Matamata estates is surprisingly good, considering the unprecedentedly severe frosts which were experienced during the greater part of September. THE MACHINERY DEPARTMENT. The assistant manager, Mr. Dibble, courteously showed us over the machinery department, where an enormous quantity of agricultural implements are stored for use. Here were to be found every variety of implement needed for the efficient cultivation of the soil, and which had been precured by Mr. Firth regardless of expense. After inspecting the latest American and English inventions in this line,' we paid a visit to the blacksmith's and repairing shop. Here a very ingenious revolving iron rack had been constructed, with portable hand stretcher, for reeling off telephone wire along the line where it was difficult to take it by ordinary conveyance. THE MATAMATA APIARY. Under the able management of Mr. Hopkias this enterprise is now developing into importance. Last year the production of honey was sacrificed to strengthening and increasing the colonies. Everything about the establishment was in perfect health and in perfect order. Mr. Hopkins prefers the Langstroth hive, and has provided some hundreds of these for the coming season. We were very much pleased with the systematic way in which the operations are conducted. Labour-saving appliances for constructing frames, hives, and comb foundation were abundant. It would be difficult to imagine anything more complete and effective than the mode in which Mr. Hopkins produces his beautiful comb foundation. Besides providing for the wants of the Matamata apiary, the establishment sends out large numbers of queen bees, and great quantities of comb foundation, and apiary requisites to all parts of the colony. Mr. Firth is the proprietor of the New Zealand and Australian Bee Journal, founded to encourage the development of the bee industry, which is . edited at Matamata by Mr. Hopkins. In this periodical, tbree numbers of which have been issued, information necessary to bee-keepers is circulated. Its correspondence columns bear ample testimony to its value. Under the fostering influence of this journal, together with the public spirit of Mr. Firth and the enthusiasm and professional knowledge of Mr. Hopkins, a very large development of this most important industry is certain to take place in thiß colony and Australia. THE NEW BRIDGE OVER THE THAMES RIVER. A magnificent bridge has just been completed by Mr. Firth across the Thames river. This bridge has been designed and built by Mr. John Copoland, and for strength and beauty it is not to be surpassed in this country. We understand it has been built strong enough to bear the steam traction engine and a train of loaded cars. THE BAMAROA AND OTHEK HOT SPRINGS. Close by the bridge on the west side of the river lies the famous Ramaroa hot spring. For ages this spring has been famous amongst the Maoris for the cure of skin, rheumatic, kidney, and other diseases. The bath itself is scooped out of the solid rock, through the bottom of which springs a magnificent supply of hot water at a temperature of 9S degrees. This spring is enbosomed in a lovely grotto. Owing to the proximity of the bridge, the necessary privacy of the bath was destroyed. To obviate this, Mr. Firth has enclosed the grotto in concrete walls, and provided three or four dressing-rooms and a shower bath, interfering with the sylvan appearance of the grotto as little as possible. , On the east side of the river, opposite, is a still grander hot spring. A moderate expenditure would make a grand swimming bath here 150 yards long and 10 yards wide; supplied with a stream of water five feet wide by six inches deep, measured as it falls into the river. Temperature at outfall, 95 degrees. EXTENSION OF THE TELEPHONE LINE. MATAMATA AND AUCKLAND CONNECTED. We cannot omit noticing the erection of a telephone line twenty miles long, between Matamata and Waiorongomai, erected at Mr. Firth's expense by the manager of the estate; Mr. W. T. Firth. For two years about seven miles of this line have been in operation between Matamata and Stanley, the head of the navigation of the Thames river. In a day or two, the wire and the instruments will be complete for the whole distance, when Mr. Firth will have the great advantage of communicating directly with the management at Matamata, in place of the costly, special, and tardy postal service, so long in use to communicate with the estates. THE FOREST LAND ON THE EAST BASK OF

THE EIVEE. We must reserve for a future visit, Mr. Firth's noble estate 011 the eastern bank of the river. Terrace after terrace (several thousands of acres of which were last season sown down in clover), marking some ancient lake level, rises from the river's brink to the edge of the forest. This forest covers about 2000 acres of the plain, and then stretches up to the top of the range,, some 2500 feet high. Here and there Mr. Firth has cut drives through the forest. It is quite unnecessary to speak here of the beauty of the New Zealand primeval forest. Enough to say that it is here in perfection. Noble trees, 11 feet in diameter at the base, shooting up 150 feet high without a branch, present a picture of forest grandeur not to be surpassed. At several points frcm the top of this range descend splendid waterfalls. One, the Wairere waterfall, has often been noticed, but the Waio-ee-ariki, buried deep in the trackless forest, is larger, and is said to be grander and much more 'beautU ful. All these, and mach more, we must leave to a future visit.

ME. FIBTH'S HOMESTEAD.—THE TOWEB. We cannot _ leave the Matamata estate without noticing the beautiful homestead surrounded by gardent and orchards, a pretty obelisk marks the spot where the greatest of New Zealand 1 ;! chieftains, William Thompson, the Maori kiog-maker died. It was at this spot Mr. Firt'u met the terrible Te Kooti and his band in Jai> uary, 1870. One result of the interview biung that Te Kooti promised Mr. Firth never more to kill women and children, and he kept his word. Tie Tower erected by Mr. Firth on a gentle eminence marks the scena of a terrible battle in ancient timeß. In war times it would be a position of great strategical importance. It is built of concrete, four storeys in height loopholed, and impregnable save to artillery! Now, in these "piping jimes of peace," it only serves to recall the warlike nature of the Maoris and the terrible contest in which we were engaged with theax for so'many years. In past times, not many years ago, Mr Firth had to arm every man on* his estate as he went out to his work. Again and again, every woman and child on the estate had to be sent to a place of safety From the top of Matamata Tower the view is superb ; far as the eye can see, north and south, the noble Thames Valley stretches at one a feet. On the right, the lofty peak of leArohci terminates the waterfall ranee tn which we have before referred. On'the left, the beautiful Maungakawa mountain, forcibly remind us of the Elidon hiila.' / little further to the south, the volcanic neat of Maungatautari r"ises loftily from?th* plains, whilst directly to the south, i a th P far off distance, the magnificent snow-clarl mountains of Ruapehn and Tongariro com plete the pioture.

EAILVTAY COMMUNICATION. I TheHamilton-Morrinsville line only awair* plate-laying, and the contract for the section wT^ lomosville t0 Te (Hunt C White's contract) is well in hand. The fiSJ section of the Thames Valley Une-Morrinf vdle to Oxford-runs through the whot length of the Matamata estate, and mull foT^ 6llll^ 08 value - A station L hxed within a short distance of Mr. FirH.» homestead and at the.time of oar visit Merc® and Marshall's advanced party had T„I broken ground at the northern end of Mai* mata The line will intersect in this secttol the blocks of .the; Auckland AgricultS Company M we y „ bf foff^l holders, and greatly valS their investments.- • In faot the railway*^

be the true: I « 3* I f A frail Maori canoe formed thT™? of «£ 1 of transport across the Tamaki ll m 4 1 present stone bridge now s& ? S*« 1 Escape was alone relieved by th' X* I of Mr. Baird, at the ForT u leat % I fellow, at Otara; and Mr. w'l'iM § Kaihora He would have been a boM > * I on that April morning in 1851 it pro PHet § the N ? atipaoa»-who would hly» t.? h I that in three decades the line . P r' P ment .would have been pushed § 1 the waters of the Waikato as they S«* I to the Pacific; and that the shriek If .locomotive would be heard in th« ** £ capital of Maoridom as the T-; ft on their way through the pUirT I *• prosperous townships of the Waife-t* ?>"" ; ' Yet all this has come to De,t >. I no one can doubt that in the next tv 6* - years we shall see greater changes tw\r*? .-.' in the Thames Valley and the T> , hs!s I country. That the dun brown errjan < M fern will be throughout replaced by n«t!! * - of emerald green, and instead of a 5 l handful of settlers, that the noble VaVe 4 " be dotted with populous township's : their varied and thriving industries' r settled by a numerous, contented Sa3 prosperous yeomanry. ' At the period of our visit to Mat,.,. ■• Mr. W. T. Firth, the manager, ¥ at Waiorongomai, arranging matters in I nection with the construction of tae t?" • phone line, and we had not the plea«n r i * meeting him. The assistant manager u°' - Dibble, in his absence, hospitably eutT '"* tained the party, and courteously poirul f out the various matters of special uu i r on the estate. '•"*• !•■