THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1906. TAUMARUNUI ELECTORATE.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 10, 28 December 1906, Page 2

THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1906. TAUMARUNUI ELECTORATE.

As was generally anticipated the adjustment of boundaries of electoral districts has resulted in the King Country being practically made a separate electorate. This is satisfactory in many respects, as the conditions obtaining in all parts of the district are almost identical, and the new order of things should be beneficial in strengthening the bonds of sympathy which already exist between the various centres. The wants of the electorate are legion, and the Parliamentary representative of Taumarunui will have no sinecure in safeguarding the interests of this rapidly developing locality. It may be questioned if the inclusion of Waitara within the boundaries is altogether desirable, so far as the King Country is concerned. Geographically it may seem to be naturally suited to combine with the Rohe Potae, but actually there is a well defined line of demarkation between the King Country and Taranaki. The interests and trade of Waitara, and its surroundings all He Taraaakiwards, while the natural traffic and trade of the rest of the district, all flows through the Main Trunk line to Auckland. Thus there will be two distinct

influences, and sets of conditions governing the district. However, according to the limitations of the Commission, the work has been accomplished, and 1 it will certainly not be long before the boundaries will be drawn much closer. It requires the aid of no prophetic vision to fortell that with the restrictions removed from Native lands, so that owners can sell to private individuals ; with anything approaching an adequate sum expended on metalling roads, instead of patching them with clay; with the start of the Ohura railway at the Ongarue end, and a decent railway service on the Main Trunk line ; with the natural expansion of the timber industry, and the satisfying of sundry other less important demands long since dealt with in other localities, the population of the King Country will increase beyond even the hopes of its most fervent wellwishers. Too long has it been left a great dumb country, imprisoned and shackled, its industries and liberty cramped, and its potentialities disregarded by even those who v.--uld reap the richest harvest fron. h:< PcU'-.nient and progress. It matters liitle who was to blame in the past; the burin---.; -"ten of Auckland were as culpble ;>s the legislators of the country rrri r robably more so, but for the future it is to be hoped our claims will be n;<<ro generally recognised and urged. With the dawn of a new yrar let us hope there will dawn a new era for the Rohe Potae, and the justice and liberties Iso long denied us in all matters will be granted freely and as our due.