THE COMMERCE TRAIN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20420, 23 November 1929, Page 14

THE COMMERCE TRAIN.

BUSINESS MEN IN NORTH.

MEAL COOKED BY MAORIS. TOUR THROUGH FINE SCENERY. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT. 3 KAWAKAWA, Friday. The tour of the Auckland business men who came north in thQ commerce train was continued to-day. Leaving Kaitaia at 8.30 a.m. in the motor-cars of their Kaitaia hosts, the party went through the hilly country surrounding Fairburns, and thence into the fertile Oruru Valley. Here tho visitors were much impressed with the fine, well-farmed holdings which support an up-to-date dairy factory in their midst. The historic old native fortifications on the hills and knolls in the valley also proved of considerable interest. Passing down the Taipa Valley the cars arrived at the shores of Doubtless Bay, where are still situated the obsolete buildings belonging to the Pacific Cable Board. The party arrived at the beautiful Cooper's Beach, now frequently used as a landing ground for aeroplanes. This beach is lined from end to end with pohulukawa trees. Here the party was welcomed by Messrs. Wrathall and Barribal, members of the Mangonui County Council.

Journey in Launches. Ttie cars passed through the historic old village of Mangonui, through Oruaiti, and thence to the upper reaches of the Whangaroa Harbour, the shore of which waa followed to Totara North. Hero the Kaitaia people handed their guests over to the chairman of the Whangaroa County Council, Mr. W- Lane. Boarding launches the party was transported down the Whangaroa Harbour and round the investing bays. Finally they landed on one of the beaches, where an interesting event of the trip occurred. A large gathering of settlers was present, among whom were a number of Maoris. To the Maoris fell the lot of providing the party with a meaL This was done in true Maori style, by means of a native cooking oven.

A hole in the ground was filled with large stones, and on top of these a large fire was built. When the stones were sufficiently hot the fire was brushed of! and quantities of pipis, fish, kumeras, potatoes and onions were placed on top. A sheet and several wet sacks were placed over the food, and the whole covered with earth. In an hour's time the coverings were removed, and the beautifully cooked food was exposed. It was handed round on freshly plaited flax plates.

Several Townships Visited. Before returning to Whangaroa by launch Mr. M. Stewart, vice-president of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, thanked the settlers on behalf of the party. Following an upper reach cf the Whangaroa Harbour the' party came to the picturesque village of Kaeo, with its memorial church and library. From there good time was made to Kerikeri, where afternoon tea was taken at the Alderton group settlement. An inspection was made of the citrus and passion fruit plantations, then the last part of the car journey was mado via "VVaimate North and Ohaeawai to Otiria and Moerewa.

Passing the large Moerewa works of the Auckland Farmers' Freezing Company, the party arrived at Kawakawa at 6.50 p.m., where the commerce train was awaiting them. At a smoke concert tendered to the visitors at Kawakawa, Mr. George Leaity. president of the Kawakawa Chamber of Commerce, said he was sure that the term " poor North " was wrongly given to this great peninsula. Coal Seams Only Scratched.

It might surprise the visitors to know that within a stone's throw was the site of the oldest coalmine in New Zealand, one that had provided the finest coal in New Zealand while it was being worked. He was sure the coal seams here had been only scratched, and it needed only capital to open up these fields. Mr. Malcolm said the Auckland Chamber of Commerce endeavoured to assist the farmers in every way possible. The whole party after this tour would be supporters of the wonderful North. An all-weather main road was urgently needed to bring visitors, some of whom must prove to be future settlers.

The train will leave Kawakawa early to-morrow and arrive at Whangarci about 5.30 a.m. The day will be spent in the Whangarei district and the train will reach Auckland on Sunday morning.