COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 7862, 3 February 1887, Page 6

COUNTRY NEWS.

PURIRI, THAMES,

Things in Puriri are looking much as usual. The soda water springs are a popular resort. Messrs. Larkin and O'Brien have nearly completed their contract on the railway ; a few more weeks will see their section of the road formed.

The settlers are beginning to rise to the necessity of urging the Government to form the " long-delayed road" from Puriri to the hills at Tairua. It la astonish: that this very important work should have been delayed so long. From what I can learn I should say selfish interests have stood in the way of this urgent work. There is not a doubt that the settlers' track is not only the easier, but the cheaper route. It would not only open » vast unoccupied tract of country, but it would lead to the further development of a recognised rich goldfield. It would further open communication between the Tairua mill and the railway, besides affording facilities for the removal of millions of feet of kauri, totara, etc., and tons of firstclass firewood and gum at present locked up. The settlers are anxiously waiting to hear the result of Mr, Cadman's interview with the Survey Department. Mr. Cadman has been over the settlers' track, and has pronounced in favour of it Now, that the scheme is once more to the front, the settlers on both sides of the ranges should leave no atone unturned to urge the Government to give them the road. It seems that our neighbours on the other aide of the ranges have been having plenty of rain, while we on the plains are well nigh burnt up. Our local blacksmith has got the contract for tho ironwork of the bridge at lihrenfreid's croasiDg,—[Own Correspondent.]

TE KOPURU,

The present season promises to be a good one for water-melons. Peach trees are looking very g;reen and healthy, but the crop of fruit is quite insignificant. No fewer than six vessels are lying at the wharf at the present time.

Numerous parties aro camped on our splendid west coast beach, holiday-making. Whole families go out together, and camp out for a week, or a fortnight, or a month.

Some action ought to be taken to prevent tho recurrence of these gumdiggers' fires. In two cases lately fires were set recklessly to windward of dwelling-houses, aud desperate efforts were required to put them out. Of course nobody can say anything in the matter, though fires occur every day. It is difficult to find out the author of any particular fire.[Own Correspondent.] WAIROA SOUTH. This district is improving very fast. Wo have now two stores, one hotel, two blacksmiths, three places of worship, a cheese factory, and two steamers running twice a week from Auckland—viz., the s.s. Waitoa and tho s.s. Planet. There is one thing evident, the district cannot keep two steamers running. The owner of the Planet informs me that he intends to carry goods at 6i per ton.

The s.s. Waitoa intends running an excursion trip to McLeod's Bay, aiheke Island, on the 9th February, leaving Wairoa in the morning, and returning the same evening A Highland piper will accompany the ex curaionists, and play dance music for these who are willing to dance. —[Own Correspondent J

WAIPU. After the bustle and excitement of the holidays, the district has relapsed into its old monotonous state, everything being quiet. There are a few strangers yet remaining, loth to leave a district when they find so much enjoyment among kind friends. The caves with other beautiful scenery that abound in the district, form a favourite resort for visitors, and will become very popular when they are more widely known. Intense heat prevailed during the lastweek, and the drought is keenly felt in the central part of the district. The wells have dried up, and water has to bo carted for some distance. Mr. D. McKay, with his characteristic kindness, has given a thoroughfare through his place to the public to obtain water lor themselves and horses.

Settlers are busy at present harvesting. Messrs. J. McLean and Co. are busy with their reaping cutting down the ripe crops. The wheat crops are very good, but the oat crop is, I believe, a failure. The potato crop will not be a heavy one, owing to the dry season. —|Own Correspondent.]

PARUA BAY. One of the most successful concerts held in the W T hangarei Heads Hall took place on the 21st January. There was a large attendance from Parua, Waipu, Whangarei, and Mangapai. Several persona from Whangarei promised to sing, but they failed to put in an appearance. Most of the singers seemed to be in good voice, As usual the Misses B. Harnett and Hay greatly satisfied the listeners, for each received a hearty ring of applause. At eleven o'clock the concert terminated, and dancing took the place, which was kept up until daylight. Mrs. G. McLeod provided the supper, at her resiMr. J. K. Peace wrote recently from Kimb'erley to one of his friends here. He gave a very poor account of affairs there, and had returned back to the coast and taken his departure to another part of Australia. Some gold diggers paid the Kauri Mountain a visit last week, and from what i learned they seemed to think that the cost, will bo too great to work the stuff, but Mr. Urquart is still working, bo he must consider prospects good. Another survey party is here busy laying out a road for the settlers who have taken up land under the Village Settlement Act. This road is much needed, as at present no conveyance of any size can he taken along. Some of the settlers have made great improvements on their r.-'c ,ots.

Ilain has c<»m« *t letter late than never. The 1,.w n,ade a fresh start to grow.— lUvvn Concst'ouiient.l