On our way homeward, by the main Dunedin road, the first objects of interest seen and passed are the buildings intended for "Orakanui College," at the mouth of the creek of the same name, which was started as a private enterprise, but being too heavily handicapped by the opposing endowed institution, it soon ceased to exist as a school. Close by is the Reserve, conferred on the district for agricultural shows, and not far off is the inevitable cemetery, containing the remains of one of Dunedin's well-known and highly esteemed citizens, James Marshall, to perpetuate whose memory the Jockey Club have instituted the "Marshall Memorial Stakes." In this connection it may be mentioned that the Blueskin races are held on the sands within the area of the bay, but the course, said to be a fine one, is only visible when the tide goes out. This circumstance recalls to the mind of the guide that on the far off corner of the land to the north of the bay is the country residence of the Hon. George McLean, M.L.A. and President of the Dunedin Jockey Club, as well as Chairman of the Colonial Bank and Union Steam Ship Company, one of the most genial and truest-hearted citizens our colony possesses.
For a time the road traverses ordinary-looking country, skirting the outline of Mount Cargill on the right, which was a dense forest of splendid totara some years ago, but now thoroughly denuded, until the junction with the Port Chalmers road is reached, and coming down hill into the North East Valley some of the choicest views of Dunedin and its surroundings are to be obtained. In fact, so highly appreciated was this line in former days, that visitors of note were driven by it into town, so that its attractiveness might be fully displayed. Down the hill we come now at a brisk pace, and passing along through the main street or road of North East Valley Borough, which, practically speaking, is the only level street within its bounds. The city is soon entered by the Leith Bridge, the point of departure, and each wends his homeward way after a delightful day's excursion, through scenes of rare beauty, of about thirty miles.
XII.—OUR PLAIN.
What dweller in the South Sea Colonies, and even much farther afield, has not heard of the Taieri Plain? Agriculturists, in particular, and those interested in the industry, may have noted the extraordinary yield of cereals obtained, the weight and
