Patea.

Hotels.—Albion. Central.

The terminus of the Railway for a considerable time, and the depot and emporium of trade; this state of things passed away as the line advanced, and the town suffered in consequence. The resources of the country round about Patea are too great to allow the town to languish long. A meat preserving and canning industry was established: this was burnt down in the early portion of 1885, and has not yet been rebuilt, However, endeavours are being made to get the concern into working order, and the importance of it to the district is too great for it to remain long in abeyance. Another unfortunate speculation that ought to have been of the utmost benefit died in its infancy—the manufacture of tiles and pottery; there are large deposits of clay of the right description, and some day no doubt it will be again taken up with profit and advantage. The Patea river is navigable for small craft, and the Patea Steam Shipping Company's boat runs regularly between Patea, Nelson, and Wellington.

The town is on the northern bank of the river, and contains many good houses, stores, and hotels. All the principal banks are page 62 represented. The Churches are handsome, and the "Patea Mail" newspaper has an extensive circulation. The population is about 1,100, and the town is governed by Mayor and Corporation.

Leaving Patea, Kakaramea, a flourishing township, is next passed, then Manutahi, another township with a large population surrounding it—and thence by a most beautiful drive to Hawera, from which locality the first glimpse of Mount Egmont is obtained in its full grandeur, from peak to base.