BOUND ABOUT MANDEVILLE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2409, 3 May 1900, Page 31

BOUND ABOUT MANDEVILLE.

(By Ow Teavelling Corbespondent.)

The sequestered village of Mandeville is iound about 11 miles from Gore, on the Waimea line of railway, with a barren range of hills on one side and a fertile plain on the other; while the little Otamita stream dribbles over a pebbly bottom, encircling the township, on its way to the Mat aura River, and so zig-zag is its course that four railway bridges cross it in less than half a mile.

Once the little village (which now contains few over a hundred inhabitants) was a favourite stopping-place on the great Waimea Plains, but the construction of the railway and loads •through the great agricultural and pastoral area, having miles of valuable land reaching far ahead, together with the rise and development oi Rivers-lale, the importance once attached to Mandeville has caused to gradually diminish. But the district surrounding has been block by block passing into private hands, and only last week several thousand acres of the company's property were disposed of by that great monopolist.

Near here is the Wantv.-ood station, ■with which the name of the clashing Paddy M'Caughan is happily remembered. Wantwood was originally selected and secured by Mr M'Caughan, and afterwards disposed of by him at a handsome figure. Residents of Mandeville 1 have yet happy remembrances of this popular specutator, whose name retains to-day an unlimited amount of respect. Wantwood station has ever since been the property of the late Mr G. M. Bell, and now is carried on and managed by his son, Mr Charles Bell. The homestead occupies a picturesque site on the sunny slopes at the base ot the hills, and the residence is cosily embowered by extensive plantations. An enormous amount of money has been expended in bringing Wantwood to its present state of perfection, but the benent3 snd profits have far exceeded the outlay. The flocks are noted for their exceptionally fine clips, which have this season topped the market. Par of the leasehold area (about 13,000 acres) wps diaposed of lately to Mr Peter M'Leocl, of Green Valley, Palmerston, whose intention it is to establish his homestead at Croyclon. Besides this block, Mr M'Leod (in association with his sons) has secured other landed property locally. The flat country alone the Mataura is known for heavy cropping. the Mandeville township, Mr Robert Crombie, of Otarna, has an exceptionally large crop this season, while the stubble grass is capable of carrying aboy.e the average number of 3heep.

So much foi agriculture. The Mandeville Hotel is occupied by Mrs Smith, whose homeliiiess and civility need no new recommendation in the Witness. Mr H. G. Beecot has a fine grocery business, and Mr J. Boult runs the local butchery. The Waimea flour mills are built here, and are owned and worked by Mr Doull. Mr Overton trains the young idea in a school whose surroundings are a model of cleanliness. It rarely occurs that the only church in a township belongs to the Anglican community, but such is the case at Mandeville. Although within easy distance of Stony 'Creek and Riversdale the rabbit trade has found life in Mandeville, and ironi all indications the industry has come to stay. The price is said to be Bd, so even in Mandeville no able-bodied person need join the swagging profession.