OKURU NOTES.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 November 1925, Page 4

OKURU NOTES.

(From a Correspondent).

.Miss Holds'vortli, late post mistress at Wailio is .spending, a holiday liete on route to the East Coast, via Haast Pass. Miss I. Condon, of Maliaitai is also on holiday with relatives. Messrs Harris Bros, have imported a promising draught stallion from Mr Clias. Milne, Southland, per the Government steamer, landing at Jackson's Bay. His sire is “Bonny Urcnstnout’’ and the dam is “Queen.'’ “Bonny Breastnout’s’’ sire was Ballon Bold” and was unbeaten in any show-ring, while the dam “Queen” won the first prize repeatedly as a yearling, a two-year old. and as a three year old at the Wyndham Show. South- ; land. Messrs Harris Bros are to he i complimented for tin* onterpi iz ; * in j curing such a valuable and promising i horse for the district. His age is *> 1 years and he stands 17 hands high. I This makes the third stallion standing in this district. A list has been passed round the l ift for signature which is iKiing forwarded to the Government to urge the importance of a road from Okuru i) .1 a.ks.on's Bay. with a view to o> oiling up additional land for settlement and lor an outlet lor the natural resources of the district—timber, Butter. cheese, (lax. stock, coal, and other minerals etc., via Jackson’s Bay, a large common ial and natural harbour. I This road has been surveyed, also the bridge sites at the Militate and Arnwata rivers. These sites are both natural bridge sites; in the latter a large high rock acts as a naiural pillar. The span from the rock to each hank is very short.

The mineral wealth of this district is various and in quantity. A geological survey of this district would undouhtedIv expose untold possibilities. A firstclass oial has already been proved, also copper, ironic iron, and asbestos, ■while a first-class lime stone is to he found in (|tiantity in the vicinity of Jackson's Hay. Several thousand acres of open swamp lands could he utilised profitably. Finance and Government asi.xtance and energy would of course le required. These areas are far ton large for the individual. When drained and grassed they should become thriving farms. Tt is unnecessary to stale every person added their signature (o this list, uliich is to he passed tip ihe Coast for further signal ores. The results fi mil this campaign will be keenly watched bv these who are interested in the development of South Westland. It is understood land seekers are already in this district, negotiating deals, the area in question being extensive, and it is understood required for cutting tip purposes for closer settlement .