Turakina.

A very pretty drive of 14 miles, over an undulating road, well kept, brings one to the Turakina Valley, in which the township lies scattered all about. The population numbers about 400, and the Highland names of many of the settlers show the origin of the greater portion of the population. The road and also the railway descend from the table land on each side of the valley, the railway circling round it, and crossing the bridge close to the one by which the road does. Turakina owes its existence to its fine situation as a resting place for travellers when the traffic was by the high road, and the place enjoyed additional prosperity during the late Maori war, as it was the headquarters of Mr G. Y. Lethbridge, who had extensive contracts for the supply of the troops, who numbered at one time about 6000. It contains stores, an Anglican and Presbyterian Churches, and in addition to the usual Government schools, the private scholastic establishment of the Rev. J. Ross. The scenery of the Turakina River is exceedingly pretty, and will be a likely trout stream in the future. The estate of the late Hon. W. B. Rhodes stretches the greater part of the way between Bulls and Turakina, and contains about 30,000 acres of magnificent land. page 46 Hotels—Gwynne's and Hawkins'. The chief trade of the township is in the hands of Mr. G. Franklin, Post Office Store, whose wagons tap the up-country trade as far as Marton, which is distant 9 miles.