THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 1907.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 35, 21 June 1907, Page 2

THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 1907.

KING COUNTRY PROGRESS. During the past decade the whole of the North Island has developed to a remarkable extent, and by degrees almost all the most desirable land has been taken up and brought into cultivation. Progress has appeared to come naturally, and once the wave started it spread rapidly and is now reaching the farthest corners of the land. In the Waikato the growth has been remarkable, and, although not apparent to the casual eye, the King Country is undergoing an even greater change. For many years the Rohe Potae was tapu ground to the Pakeha, but the barriers are being broken down and the steady march of progress has invaded the very heart of the country. To the progressive Maori the change is perhaps as welcome as to the European, and if mingled with his satisfaction are regrets at the passing of the old order of things, such feelings are mainly inspired by the natural race sentiment possessed by every man for his kindred, and his kindred's ancient institutions. It requires no special intuition to know that this district is destined to become a closely settled and prosperous locality. Already the knowledge that the Rohe Potae is a fertile land and capable of great development, is widely known, and with the conversion of the " great black block" into productive farms, there is no fear but that the land will justify itself. Evidences of progress are always gratifying, but development brings in its train ever-increasing duties and responsibilities, and in order to keep abreast of the wave of progress, sustained effort and hearty cooperation are necessary. The resources of the Rohe Potae are hardly yet known, but it is undoubtedly to the settlement of the farm lands that attention should be turned in the first place, and the providing of the best possible facilities for the back-block pioneer. With the settlement of the out-districts, the townships will grow naturally, and the populous communities may reasonably be expected to provide means for their own good government. For the benefit of the farmer, however, there are many matters which require consideration and effort to obtain, and with the institution of local bodies in the towns, means will be provided to assist movements for their mutual benefit. No effort should be spared in the endeavour to secure for the King Country the facilities and institutions granted to other localities, which play so important a part in development, and direct it upon the most beneficial lines. Kissing goes by favour the world over, but there are many ways of wooing, and so much depends upon the Government's efforts, that every opportunity should be taken of keeping the district and its needs before the authorities. We have energetic and hard-working Parliamentary representatives, but apart from their efforts there has been no means of claiming public attention. Parliament is about to meet and it is to be hoped we shall all stand loyally together, and do our utmost for the common good. There is only a certain sum available from the public treasury for the whole colony, and the most persistent and clamorous party usually fares best. With justice and equity to support our claims, we should not be satisfied until due recognition is granted us.

PROPOSED TOWN BOARD FOR TE KUITI. It is to be hoped the meeting called for Saturday night at Te Kuiti for the purpose of discussing the question of forming a Town Board will be well attended, and that residents will come prepared to support their opinions on the subject. There are many reasons why a local body is required, the main one being the very evident fact that progress cannot come of itself without effort on the part of those interested. The whole of the township sections are taken up, and many

of the holders are desirous of building and improving their sections. However, before this can reasonably be undertaken there is much to be done in the way of draining, and street formation, in order to give access to portions of the township. Obviously, these works cannot be done by individual effort, and they are only the beginnings of the things necessary for the well-being of a civilized community. In adopting a system of local government, it is to be hoped the residents will be animated by the most liberal motives possible, and will endeavour to meet each other on the broadest grounds for their mutual benefit. A scheme which is suitable for this year may, in a growing district, become inadequate for next year's requirements. Therefore, without undertaking too great a liability, it is incumbent upon all to strive for that, which, in addition to filling the present needs, will be of practical value in years to come.