Mangatainoka Notes.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume IX, Issue 1199, 26 February 1902, Page 2

Mangatainoka Notes.

( Own Correspondent.) 1 have travelled a good deal in this colony and other places but have found few tpots to surpass in natural beauty the drive to Ngaturi, particularly from that handsome bridge towards Mr Lethbridge’s run. The wondrous beauty of scenery with which this locality has been singularly endowed by Nature suffices to send admirers of lovely scenery into ecstacies of delight. They tell me the drive further on to Makuri is still more charming, but so far I have not travelled there though 1 intend to do so.

Though Ngaturi and Makuri are gradually growing in popular favour as holiday resorts and a rendezvous for picnickers and tourists I do not think these places are as well-known to the outside world as they should be. They want advertising. The scenery is sublime, the roads are uncommonly good and accommodation of the best can be obtained at easy intervals.

When I say the roads are good I am speaking in a comparative way. There are certainly some narrow passages and sharp turnings, which make one at times feel uneasy in case of meeting three and four-horse waggons, which are regularly to be met on this roadway. Certainly, as one who has 9een the burning wants of les3 favoured districts in the colony, we here have little to grumble about over our roads ; but while the authorities have gone so far with a good hard road they would do well to see there is no point or pinch en route where two vehicles could not pass with safety. At present there are many such points—too many. The youth of Mangatainoka are becoming quite enthusiastic over swimming. I hear that some contests are coming off shortly. It is a good sport and should be encouraged. It is said that a young couple, wh i have recently made Mangatainoka their permanent residence, intend giving a ball in about a month's time in the Town Hall to open the season.

A couple of interesting weddings will be celebrated shortly. All the parties are highly popular at Mangatainoka and the joyous events are being looked forward to with interest.

Fractious horses are too prevalent down our way. Last week two or three traps were dragged home in a condition that proved that young oolts have little consideration for the vehicles tiiey are privileged to draw. I wish to point out two matters that seriously require the attention of om County Council. One is the re metalling of the .nain road whero required (which is nearly all the way), between ralnatua and the Ngawapurua Bridge. I do not think it an unreasonable estimate to say that 3,000 sheep are travelling daily on this stretch of road, consequently this thoroughfare requires constant attention. At present the road is worn out. If immediate moans were taken before the winter months approach a very heavy expense may be averted. The road certainly wants prompt attention. The other matter is the Mangatainoka Bridge. This structure sadly requires re-decking. Splinters am! pieces of wood are projecting aud many of the planks are quite loose. These splinters may be, and probably hayo been, the cause of serious iujuries to cattle and horses particularly. This work should bo done at once and settlers should insist ou it.