Havelock as It is, and as It Might Be.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 4, Issue 19, 10 March 1893, Page 3

Havelock as It is, and as It Might Be.

[Contributed by New Chums.] " What a dead-and-alive place is Havelockl" seems to me to be the usual ejaculation of the* passing stranger, and can it be wondered at? It may be that the tide is out, and a dreary waste of mud-flat and swamp occupies the fore-ground, thus marring a picture that in other respects would charm an artist's eye; Or, even when Havelock is at its best, with the blue waters rippling softly into the embrace of the enfolding hills, the marsh soill remains a blemish on the scene, and the thought arises how much better, from a scenic as well as from a commercial point of view, would it be if waving fields of corn took the place of this useless expanse of rushes. And why cannot this be ? Why should this ground, which, it is said, would be most fertile, not be turned to good account? It ought not be a very difficult or expensive matter, to reclaim this land, when one thinks of that, which, in the face of so many obstacles, has been snatched from the deeper waters of Wellington harbor. Again, need it surprise one that tourists and camping parties visiting the Pelorus River and Sound often leave the district without even attempting to see Havelock, let alone making any stay therein, for the town itself offers no inducement to strangers. The chief pastimes of other sea-side resorts are here conspicuous by their absence. One would at least expect to see bathing-houses at a place where Nature affords every opportunity for that delightful and healthy recreation —swimming; and to be able to obtain good pleasure-boats for the purpose of visiting the many picturesque spots in the neighbourhood. And, would it be too out-of-the-way to look ior a fair tennis-court in the midst of so many young people ? Why, I hear that even in Mrs Grundy's scattered domain they are enterprising enough to aim at one. The " Old Lady " is wonderfully energetic for her years. I should advise -the youths and maidens, assisted by the elder members of the community, to arouse their energies and awaken themselves from their present humdrum existence.