Bulls (or Clifton)

Is a very pleasantly situated place on the Rangitikei River, about four miles from the railway line, with which communication is kept up twice daily by coach. The road is always in splendid order, and the drive, although short, is one of the most enjoyable in the neighborhood. The land around is flat, intersected with ridges, and the view, eastwards, of the Tararua and Ruahine Ranges is grand in the extreme; while in the north the giant Ruapehu looms up grand, solitary, and alternately glistening and gloomy. Numerous streams, as is the case all over New Zealand, fringed by the native flax and grass trees, make up constantly changing vistas, made still more charming by the many well-built and opulent dwellings in and around this district. There are many petty drives: to the beach, about 10 miles; Parawanui, about 7; Marton, 6. Westoe, Sir Wm. Fox's property, is also about 6 miles and looks up the Rangitikei River, the secenery of which gets very grand the higher up one ascends. The river is very broad opposite Westoe, and broken into numerous streams. In 1881 a flood carried away the railway bridge, and the district at once went back ten years in its mode of locomotion. Passengers had to be ferried across the river; the trains, North and South, running to their respective banks and then back again. Bulls has a number of hotels, the usual branch banks, a Masonic Hall, several large stores, and is named after the founder, Mr. James Bull, who settled here in 1859, and started the town by building an hotel and store. The Anglican Church is a pretentious looking edifice (at a distance), the Rev. J. Dodwell, M.A., being curate in charge; Presbyterian Church, Rev. Dowell; and a Wesleyan Church. From Bulls (or Clifton) to Marton is 6 miles, and to Turakina, 16 miles; there being a direct road to Turakina. To the mouth of the Rangitikei River, at which small vessels call during the summer, 17 miles.

There is also a racecourse and Jockey Club, with grand stand and every accommodation for carrying on race meetings. The Rangitikei settlers carry out coursing during the season, and have a grand meeting once a year, hares being very plentiful all through the district.