A TRAMP ABROAD.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 10894, 10 March 1903, Page 7

A TRAMP ABROAD.

From Bunnythorpe to Wanganui

Progress and Prosperity. Sober Wanganui. (Buunythorpe Correspondent to the Manawatu Daily Times.) Having recently spent a holiday in the Rangitikei and Wanganui districts, I thought perhaps some notes referring- to those parts might be acceptable to you. Throughout those dstricts the crops are splendid, and I have no doubt we shall hear of heavy yields. Especially is this the case with, the oat crops, which are really magnificent. In- one paddock I counted six large stacks, and there was a considerable quantity yet to be carted in. The grazing country also looked well, and besides numerous flocks of sheep, dairying is being energetically carried on, creameries being dbtted all over those counties. The appearance of the Turakina Valley and the incomparable Wangaehu Valley, at this season of the year, is beautiful in the extreme, the rich foliage of the native bush in its primeval state giving a beautiful aspect to the surrounding country. In the Wangaehu Valley the Maoris have of late years vastly improved their properties, and from the appearance - of their holdings have been very industrious. They now have good houses, well-kept gardens and fine cultivated fields, so different to what it was some few years ago. Mr Fletcher's farm, also in this valley, is a picture and is demonstrative of what such splendid land under good management can produce. Passing tip from Wangaehu Valley we arrive amongst a lot of beautiful farms, conspicuous among which are those of Mr J. Blyth, Mr A. Allison and Mr S. H. Towgood, all of which are worthy of a visit. Mr Towgood has also a splendid mansion erected on rising ground, and is one of the finest-looking residences in this part. Nor must I forget to mention that charming property of Mr Sutherland's, viz., Lamb Hill, renowned for its lovely gardens and prolific orchards. Another beautiful and highly cultivated estate is Marangai, on which can still be seen remnants of an old blockhouse (now used as a stable), a relic- of the old troublous times with the natives. The building is now the property of Mr A. Cameron, son of the late highly-respected and generous Captain John Cameron. It would be impossible for me to enumerate all the lovely homesteads with substantial and handsome residences and outbuildings along the road to Wanganui, but I must not omit to mention the beautiful Marybank, so well and favourably known as belonging to the late Mrs Blyth, v • and which, since her decease, has been subdivided into sections of various sizes. This has become quite a suburban place of residence for some of the Wanganui city men. Mr John Mac Donald has a beautiful place there. Then comes Kaitoke and its charming lake glittering in the sun, and blue as a turquoise, and its shores now showing various handsome residences erected thereon. Altogether at this time of year a tour through Eangitikei to Wanganui on foot or bicycle is well worth the trouble. The scenery is delightful, the roads good, and accommodation cheap. v Falmerston North Will have to exert itself considerably if it is to get the dairy school there, as there is already a very strong party in and around Wanganui working to get it established in or near 11 that town. I happened to be in Wanganui on the evening of the first day's racing. The town was crowded, and hundreds had to walk the streets all night, it being impossible to obtain a bed or shakedown. The Boer delegates, who received a cordial welcome, had to go to Castlecliff for accommodation. Fortunately for me, an old friend kindly put me up for the night. There • is ' intense excitement in Wanga»ui over tho forthcoming election of a Licensing Committee, as no doubt you have noticed in the newspapers of that town. It is worthy of notice that at the races, where thousands of people were congregated together, the utmost sobriety and good behaviour prevailed, it being generally remarked that scarcely one case of over-indulgence in strong drink was to be seen. While noticing the various crews belonging to the boating Clubs rowing on the Wanganui River, .1 wondered if in time Palmerston !North could not boast of a similar club.' . The Manawatu River surely is "wide and ,deep enough for such splendid exerciser; but perhaps there are other impediments, such as snags, 1 old trees, etc.,' which prevent decent rowing. However, let us hope that the time is not far .'.distant when Palmerston North will have its rowing club. [On wet days there is a lake in front of our office upon which a regatta might be held.— Ed. M.D.T.]