Sandon Block Notes.

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 259, 9 March 1894, Page 2

Sandon Block Notes.

[FROM OVA OWN COBBESPONDEKtJ During the last two years this district has made wonderful strides in converting the native forest into cultivated land, and the advancement is the theme of comment amongst visitors, it being undoubtedly in the van of progress as compared with other adjoining settlements. Two years ago there were only two women in the block, whereas now there are fifteen or sixteen and twenty-six children, several settlers during the last summer having brought their wives and families into the block. A most successful picnic and concert wasgiven last week at Mr Roper's place in aid of the erection of a school. At the concert, which was very largely attended, visitors ' from *Waituna, Hunterville, and other settlements were present, and the quality of musical talent was surprising for such an out-of-the-way place. The want of a school is very much felt, but the heads of families are determined to supply that requirement. Mr Chas. Bates has been seriously ill for the last few days suffering front the effects of a chill, and all who are acquainted with him hope for his speedy recovery as he is very popular in the district, and noted for his. hospitality to strangers. . Mr R. C. Taylor, who has resided here for two years, contemplates leaving shortly. During his stay he has made himself very much respected by his fellow settlers, who are all sorry for his departure. Considering the many disadvantages settlers have to contend with Mr Charles Groom deserves credit for the commendable- enterprise displayed by him in cultivating his section. This season he has grown some splendid tomatoes, peaches, and strawberries, and next season hopes to be able to show a sample of grapes from vines grown on his own soil. Although we who reside at the top end of the block, are almost within hearing distance of a town (on a calm evening the Ohingaiti Maoris may be heard singing, of course, only faintly) yet when the river is in flood the unfortunate settler who requires the services of a medical man has to travel about 40 miles. One man who met with an accident and required the professional assistance of a doctor, had to pay dear for the luxury of a : visit. The cost of the interview amounted to something like £22. Another resident, whose children were laid up with the measles, had to travel a distance of eighty miles to Feilding to get medicine, when Ohiugaiti was only five miles away but with a flooded river between. "So near but vet so far." ' Caterpillars are causing much havoc amongst tomatoes and other vegetables. Mr Bray, Engineer to the Kiwitea Road Board, was up a few days ago inspecting the road connecting with the Otara bridge site. When this work is completed it will be a great boon to the settlers.