TAPANUI.

Otago Witness, Issue 1934, 19 March 1891, Page 17

TAPANUI.

MArch 16. — Deer stalking is all the rage amongst the sporting community here just now. Poachers had better beware, as a strict look-out will be kept for them, and, if caught, thny will very probably think that their exporlent e1 j dear enough A fine stag was on view this morning at the Farmers' Olub Hotel. It was shot by P. Steven, of this town, early this morning. Visitobs' Opinions or thb Tapantji Distbict. — A large number of visitors were here at the end of the week, many of whom took the opportunity of having a run round the Orookston and Glenkentch dlafcriots. To use their own words, they were fairly astonished. They never thought that such a fine agricultural district existed, and they deioribed it as a veritable paradise. Amongst the visitors were some from Oamaru ; so we must feel highly gratified at hearing strangers speaking in such complimentary terms of our district. Tapanui Ttf'WAiKoncoi.— A few years ago this was considered to be one of the bleakest routes that could be travelled. Time has altered the appearance of the country, however, and opinions have consequently been modified. A more picturesque scene than that route present i at present it would be hard to conceive. Leaving Tapanui. we traverse nearly four miles of what is known as the Flat, which, as land for agricultural work, stands second to none in the colony, a fact demonstrated by the many magnificent paddocks of grain at present standing in the stook. We pass also the saw mill belonging to Mr W. S. M'Farlane, where a large stook of black, red, and white pine timber is to be seen. Leaving the Flat we cross the Pom»hnka river by a bridge, for which the settlers owe a deep debt of gratitude to Captain Maokenz'e. About a mile and ahalf further on Captain Mackenzie's property comeß to an end. It is land similar to that of the Tapanui Flat. Mr R. Weir's homestead is then come to, and between his property and other settlers on the right and the Cone Hill estate on the left the journey is continued to the Waikolkoi bridge. It may be stated that it is but a short time since the Cone Hill estate in- this part wag lying in its r-atu-al rough and rugged state, but ab present there Ib nothing but grass paddocks and paddocks of golden grain to be met with. Crossing the Waikoikoi stream, Messrs J. Soott and W. Bremnor's estate is passed, and then the 'Koi township is entered by way of the schoolmaster's residence and schoolhouae. The township, though small, presents a taking appearance. The principal building is the church, belonging to the Presbyterian body. It it a building which the settlers have every reason to be proud of, as it U very questionable if any town outside of Dunedin cm equal it. Tbe church officer is at all times ready to show v silors through the building. Many more striking scenes on the journey could ba recorded, but this would occupy too much space. Anyone who may pass that way will fin.l something pleasing to the eye and cheering to the heart.