MATAMATA RESIDENT ON TOUR

Putaruru Press, Volume XII, Issue 562, 8 March 1934, Page 8

MATAMATA RESIDENT ON TOUR

AWANUI REVISITED Trip to North Auckland Mrs. L. Flower, who is revisiting the North of Auckland after an absence of 16 years, forwards an interesting account of her.trip. , The journey north, which used to be accomplished by means of boat in the old Awapuni in three days, now takes but 12 hours by rail and car, arid is comfortable and speedy by way of comparison. Floods in the North

On the way north Mrs. Flower found ample evidence of the heavy rains which occurred recently. Just beyond Waitakere paddocks were under water and in some places the fence posts were submerged. At Kumeu a motorist was seen standing by his car up to his 'knees in water, and he did not look at all happy. At Kaukapakapa passengers stepped off. the train into water well over . their boot tops amidst much friendly chaff from the passengers left in the train. At this point the water was all alohg the railway line, all 1 the rivers and creeks being flooded. The bush looked very pretty after the heavy rains, and the noise made by the locusts drowned the noise of the train. Past Maungaturoto the country was very dry, and the carriage lights were left on as the train passed through 12 tunnels.

Old-fashioned Countryside

Around Wairoa' Junction the country was very green, and Whangarei, with the blue sea shining like a mirror in the setting light, afforded a beautiful view. Whangarei looked very nice and clean, and there were many fine' buildings. 1 Beyond Whangarei the paddocks with their rock fences gave an old-fashioned and pleasing appearance to the country, side. On this section the “ express ” travelled very slowly, for the grades were steep and a stop was made at every wayside station. At one place the train stopped in the middle of a paddock for one passenger to get out, so keen is the department to get traffic these days. On a long journey like this one lias time to note little items, and it was a cause for comment as to why the notice “ smoking ” is put UP on some carriages. The one travelled in was not so marked, yet young ladies in it smoked the whole way, while the men got outside t on the platform when they . wanted to smoke. Journey by Car

Otiria is a busy little station, and is noted for the excellent cup of coffee and sandwiches provided. There was quite a number of passenger busses waiting, and it was a pleasant change to enteir one for the 87 mile run to Awanui.

On leaving Otiria the “ turntable ” hill is climbed, and from near the top four other buses could be seen below following up this hill. Many large trucks were met carrying sheep to the railhead. The first stop was at Ohaewai, a small place with a large hotel. Around Waimate North the countryside was very pretty, and until recent years/ the oldest flourmill in New Zealand was situated here. The roads are very good and A.A.A. signs are everywhere.

Kaeo proved a nice • littlte town with a pdblic library and soldiers’ memorial, with field gun at the entrance. Whangaroa and Kaitaia , There is a very pretty little church here. At Oruaiti there is a very old church built like a honey-pot, and just beyond was the turn off to Totara North, where the crayfish factory is. Hereabouts the two hills, Peter and Paul, which stand guard over Whangaroa Harbour, were seen in the distance. The Whangaroa Harbour, one of the prettiest tin New Zealand, presents a sight which few. travellers forget. On towards Monganui Harbour the peaceful valley of Oruru is passed, and in this district the car ran into a cow and calf just around a bend. After being knocked down the cow got up and walked away. The bus also went a distance and then stopped, and a relief car had to be sent out. After a short delay the journey was resumed in the dark via Kaitaia, Awanui being reached at 9 p.m. Kaitaia has a number of nice shops and up-to-date houses, and some very fine farms are to be seen. Up this way there is no ragwort or white butterfly.