A Rough Journey to Galatea.

The weather was now so bad that Mr. Seddon was strongly urged on all sides not to attempt the journey onwards. The rivers and creeks were in high flood, and some of the residents went so far as to say that if the party proceeded on its journey they would not answer for the consequences. However, the Premier would not be dissuaded. He returned to Mr. Gould's station, stayed there the night, and on the following morning the whole party made a start, Mr. Grant, the manager for Mr. Gould, kindly accompanying the Premier for some ten miles. It is impossible to describe the horse-track to Galatea: suffice it to say that the animals were simply crawling, slipping, and floundering amongst roots and mud from the time they ascended the hill till they reached the flat creek-bed. On arrival at Galatea the Natives welcomed the Premier, and performed a haka in his honour.