OHURA VALLEY.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 19, 1 March 1907, Page 3

OHURA VALLEY.

Work on the Mangaroa hall was commenced last week, and on Saturday last a working bee was initiated and made good progress. The building is expected to be ready for the race ball on March 18th. On Friday last there was an enjoyable dance held in Mr McKay's new store, in aid of the cemetery fund, and a fair addition to the finances is expected. , Road works are being pushed ahead in the district, but workmen are rather scarce at present. The metalling of the Mangaroa township is proceeding and will require to be steadily continued in order to be completed before winter sets in. Mr Skeet's party has arrived to make a survey of the Mahorahora road, and will probably start in a few days. Mr Murray, the Taranaki Roads Engineer, has been having a look round the district, and is greatly impressed with the progress made during the last few years. He is proceeding with the Paorae deviation in connection with the Mahorahora road, at the Taranaki end. An interesting feature in connection with the road is that a traffic tunnel will probably be put through the hill. These tunnels have been made on Taranaki roads, but this will be the first in our district. Toe Toe was a scene of great activity on Sunday last, when, in addition to a friendly cricket match, the various local horses engaged in the forthcoming race meeting were being given trial gallops and trots. Most of the settlers in the district have got through their burns successfully, but one or two who have not yet burnt off are becoming anxious for a week's hot and dry weather.

Dairying is in the air and settlers are working hard, with the object of getting a factory ready for the coming spring. The site of the projected factory is at Niho Niho, and the settlers are endeavouring to secure a grant of five acres close to the new bridge. This is a most central position, and there is every inducement for the settlers to work their hardest, as dairying will undoubtedly be the salvation of the district. It is to be hoped the Roads D'epartment will keep pace with the requirements of the district in this respect, and endeavour to make the roads fit to cart milk over in the spring. If the factory is built at Niho Niho, the Waikaka road will require to be widened, and the work should be put in hand as soon as possible. The Niho Niho bridge should be completed in a few days, and it is stated the bridge workers will go straight on to the bridge over the Waikaka river, on the Whenuakura road. A start has been made to cart sandstone on to the road at Matiere, and this should have the effect r f improving the condition of thingr during the winter. At present the rend; are in splendid condition, consequent en r.n exceptionally fine summer. A great amount of carting is being done over the road, mainly timber being brought in by bullock waggon.