ARIA.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 5, 23 November 1906, Page 3

ARIA.

Many of the sections are already beginning to show considerable improvement. At Rotopotaka, about three and a-half miles from the township, the country is looking particularly well. The high rate of freight charged on timber is at present a bar to building anything more than is absolutely necessary. The freight to the Mokau river is £2 per ton, where the timber has to be unloaded and crossed on a punt; then from the punt to the sections, it costs another £2 per ton. If a bridge was built over the river, cartage would cost £2 5s per ton, and timber would be within the reach of the settlers.

The settlers of the locality are determined to leave nothing undone to promote the interests of the district,, and already there is talk of forming a local body for the purpose of striking a special rate, and utilising the thirds for the purpose of making and metalling roads in and around the township. This, of course, is a matter for consideration, as it is inadvisable to take over roads until the Government has completed its work, but it is desirable to take advantage of the good weather and push ahead with all matters likely to improve the conditions surrounding the settlers. As a result of the School Inspector s visit to the district it is understood that a school is to be started in the old survey whare at Kaeaeae. This is a step in the direction of progress, as there are over 20 children in the locality who have been long enough without the benefits of education. There are a number of wild cattle and pigs which have haunts and hiding places in the bush, bordering the Aria settlement. Quite recently one of the settlers, when out hunting, captured a wild sow and brought it home. In a remarkably short time the bush porker became tame and has now farrowed a fine litter of seven.