THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 1907. 1907.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 11, 4 January 1907, Page 2

THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 1907. 1907.

The old year has been rung out, and the new year ushered in throughout the western world, in the time-hon-oured manner peculiar to the different countries. But, irrespective of country or season, under smiling skies, or with snow-clad wintry outlook, it is the fashion of all to start a new year with a crop of resolutions, good, bad or indifferent, according to the conception of the person interested. We trust our readers will join with us \n making resolutions likely to be of general benefit in the year just started, and before 1907 is endrd, we may be able to look back en something accomplished for the rocd of all. In our young district the wants are legion, and only by the hearty co.operation of all, can we hope to secure our ends. We must make known the desirability of the country ; the absolute necessity of the authorities taking steps to settle the Native land difficulty ; pass?ble main roads in winter should be the watchword of every settler. At present, the industry of the country is cramped and retarded in every way, by the neglect of the roads. Cottage hospitals should be established at the main centres of the district. A substantial grant has already been made for a hospital at Taumarunui, and we trust the money will be expended as soon as possible. In all these matters, and in others, the people can assist in many ways, 'and there is no fear that they will be found wanting, when called upon. It is essential to all that the development of the country should proceed as rapidly as possible, and the two great factors among those already mentioned, are the opening of the Native lands and the metalling of the main roads. That the King Country has advanced as it has, in spite of the galling restrictions obtaining, is a wonderful tribute to its fertility. Already from Te Kuiti alone, at least 1000 fat cattle, and about 7000 fat wethers are annually sent to swell the market returns of the province, and the country has barely begun to be settled. In travelling along the main roads hardly any homesteads are to be seen, yet, hidden away in the side valleys and rolling country, the tide of settlement is going slowly on under difficulties, and people are clamouring at the door of the locked-up lands, anxious and able to turn them to account. There are many other matters worthy of attention, and which will naturally follow, with the settlement of the lands. The erection of Courthouses and public buildings, railway facilities, and the appointment of station masters at the various centres may be mentioned, and the granting to the dwellers in the King Country, of the rights of local option, a right that will have to be striven for by all. In thus placing before our readers, some of the requirements worth combining for, and endeavouring to obtain, we would urge the necessity for the co-operation of all the different centres, and by this means, the end of 1907 should see, at least, a benefit commensurate with the efforts of those working for the advancement of all. To all our readers we extend the wish for a happy and prosperous New Year.