DISTRICT NEWS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5098, 9 March 1927, Page 4

DISTRICT NEWS.

KEREPEEHI. ADVANCING THE DISTRICT. In Kerepeehi as in all other parts of the Plains, the association or unions o'f settlers having for their object the advancement of the district have been dormant for a long time on account of the apathy of the great majority and the discouragement of the few battlers by their, many rebuffs. However, in Kerepeehi .the idea of striving to improve the district is more manifest than elsewhere on the Plains, and whenever residents congregate the discussion turns, to progressive moves.

On Friday last the Hauraki Plains A. and P. Association held a general meeting at the residence of Mr W. Booth, the attendance being nine Kerepeehi district men. While Mrs, Booth was serving supper, at, the conclusion of the business it was commented that the gathering was a more representative one than could be secured in Kerepeehi for most purposes, particularly those having a bearing on the welfare ctf the district.

AVith this beginning discussion wandered to many topics concerning the district. The opinion was expressed that the fact that the Kerepeehi Block was not going to be opened up for seven years was the greatest setback experienced by the district. It was understood that a petition was to be circulated in Kaihere and Kerepeehi asking ‘for the early construction of the biidge and ferry, to enable the Kaihere-Kerepeehi road to be opened up as an outlet for Kaihere during the coming winter. From the remarks of the men present the petition would be very largely signed in Kerepeehi. It was recalled that Mr A. M. Samuel, M-P-, had expressed a willingness to meet the settlers of the district to discuss local requirements, and it was agreed that, in view of the proposed visit of the Ministers of Lands and Public Works the time was opportune to give Mr Samuel an insight into Kerepeehi matters. He will be invited to inspect the Kerepeehi 810 ck,,, with a view to expediting the opening-up of the road and the settlement of the land. At the present time there are many clumps of noxious weeds on the block, and if settlement is to be deferred for anything like seven' years the value of the block will be seriously affected. Discussion then wandered to the growth of noxious weeds in the remainder of the county, and many speakers expressed surprise that the County Council did not take more active steps against ox-eyed daisy, ragwort, gorse, blackberry, etc. The matter of effecting a transfer of the eight acres of low-lying land situated near the canal which, had been set aside as a domain for. ,an area o'f high land on the northern side of Kaikahu Road was then mentioned as a subject which could very well be taken up again with the Minister of Lands when he visited Kerepeehi. The present site was useless for a domain without the expenditure of hundreds of pounds, but very little work would be required on the proposed site to secure a splendid, dry recreation ground.