TE AWAMUTU.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1584, 30 October 1912, Page 12

TE AWAMUTU.

(By "Clutha.")

This dietriot impressed me eo favourably that I Bpent somo considerable time in learning its surroundings and resources. I do not know of any plaoo better surroundings, go whero you will. Tho appearance of tho farms and the farm buildings denote plenty. "

In tho early days "OtawJiau," tho original jiamo, was synonymous to richness I amongst tiro Natives. Tho stubborn rosistanco of tlio Natives ngoinst thepakeha encroachments on his favourite land of cultivation is testimony to the lauds' worth. Tho dairying industry has a very strong hold—creameries at frequent intervals, whilo homo separation is practised by many. The easy and undulating nature •of Ito country renders farming easy, grain and root crops readily responding to tho hand of tho farmer.

Tβ Awamutu stagnated for many yeaw. Tho Lands for Settlement Act is responsible for tho recent' rapid advancement of tho town. Tho biggest drawback to tho district is tho want of handy metal, tho nearest being tho To Kumi limestone, tto roads being muddy in w«t weather, but they dry up vory quickly. Tho town is well catered for in regard to eports— tennis, bowling, and croquet lawns in the Victoria Park, under tho control of tho Domain Board, aro a credit. The locol raco meeting is a popular picnio meeting- on the beautiful grounds of Mr. Win. Taylor's Grcenhill Estate. A totalisator permit would, if procurablo, make it ono of tho finest country meetings in tlio Dominion, The local gun club is in a. flourishing condition, and the services of a local riflo'club havo been accepted. Various other societies are in a good condition.

A glance at the map showe that goographically To Awatnutu must have a fino future, and every prospect of a considerable population. A branch line should go to Pntaruru, thereby eavinfi about 40 miles between Wellington and Eotorua, as well as about 10 miles botween Auckland and Itotorua. An exceptionally easy route is obtainable, crossing the Waikato River with about a 40ft. bridge. This lino would run through good farming land, and would pay its way from tho start. Another important lino should junction here—the lino to Kawhift Harbour—the best harbour on tho West Coast. The Government has spent 20 or SO thousand pouude on tho largo Tokanui Asylum and on tho reformatory prison farms, about five niilos out of tho town,. So it is obviously to their interest to centralist!, malting one

junction servo two lines—an ' important saving in. expenditure. One thing appealed to my notice—the desirability of closer' farming in the immediate vicinity of the town, reducing tho farms to about 100 ceres each, and gaining a large number of settlers. The inhabitants, after a period of hibernar

lion, have at Inst shaken off thoir Rip Van Winkle- slumber, and are pursuing a stonily mid progressive policy. A loan of .£20,0(10 'Ims ten authorised to bring water in from Pirongia mountain, while .EHOOO was agreed upon for gasworks, but as iv larpj number of the people eeom inclined for electricity, tliorc will bo further inquiries.