NOTES BY OUR TRAVELLING CORRESPONDENT.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1136, 8 December 1893, Page 16

NOTES BY OUR TRAVELLING CORRESPONDENT.

ALFREDTON. This township, or rather district, is situated about 12 miles north-east of Eketahuna. The township consists of the usual hotel and blacksmith’s shop and store. The land around is of medium and inferior quality, and is used as sheep runs. When your correspondent arrived he was greeted by about a dozen boosy-looking individuals who loudly proclaimed themselves as being supporters of various candidates, and that the only chance of getting their vote next election was to “ shout ” for them now, as they were suffering from a great thirst. They were recommended to the stream, which flows behind the “ pub.,” where there is an unlimited supply of fresh water. After a night’s “ doss ” at “ Old George’s ” pub. (I am giving the familiar appelation), an early start is made for the Tiraumea Valley. ■' , The first place of importance is about five miles. This is Saunders’ Junction, where the Puketoi country has just been opened and taken up. Mr Saunders’ homestead is situated at the junction of the main road and the road to the Puketois, and it is here Mr and Mrs Saunders have lived for over 20 years and reared a large family. It is said of Mr Saunders that he is a “ white man,” but to put it properly, they are the most hospitable family your correspondent ever met. 1 . V

Continuing the journey, a lot of old residents are met and friendly chats indulged in. Mr Henry Burling, who is one of the oldest residents, has built a splendid new residence, and has a nice block of land, which he farms in conjunction with his relatives.

The next place is the Tiraumea station, the largest block of land in the district. The proprietor, Mr Holmes Warren, is a nephew of the Hon Matthew Holmes. The land is of inferior quality, and it is with difficulty the rabbits are kept down. With these drawbacks, it is hardly to be expected that Mr Warren could be so generous as his fellow settlers. Hospitality is very sparingly dealt out on the station. Your correspondent will ever remember , the dirty whare and the uninviting bunk/with' out blankets. No. firewood and no tucker, and the rain falling in torrents. Sweet Tiraumea.!

In the Alfredton district there are three patriarchs whose ages are over 80 years each. Mr Burling; who is a greatgrandfather, is over 85 years, and his progeny are very numerous, being close on 200; Mr Wm. Verris, who is unmarried, is close on 90 years, and Mr P. Brannigan is over 75 years. These three aged- persons have been in the Alfredton district about 30 years; and are all hale and hearty, and still continue to take their share in the battle of life. v