KAEAEA.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 40, 26 July 1907, Page 3

KAEAEA.

Notwithstanding the very uncertain weather prevailing on Saturday everiing, the 13th inst., and the bad state of roads, the' meeting convened for the purpose of discussing the '.proposal to form a branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union was largely attended by settler?, who gathered from _ a radius of nearly twenty miles, and the school was crowded with enthusiasts. Mr Elwccd was voted to the chair. In opening the meeting, the chairman eulogised the advantages of combination, and complimented settlers on the keen interest which they were taking in the project, as evidenced by the crowded meeting. Some discussing took place in regard to the question as to whether settlers form themselves into a local association, or adopt the rules and platform of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, but eventually >a motion was infavcur of a branch of the Farmers' Union being established, to be called the Mokauiti branch. Offices were elected as follows :—Chairman, Mr Elwood ; Vice-Chairman, Mr C. J. Riddle ; Secretary, Mr T. Hickman ; 1 reasurer, Mr S. Riddle, and Auditor, Mr D. Finnegan. Messrs T. Brough, R. Keighley, S. Williamson, W. Malone, and K Bennett were elected members of the executive committee for the ensuing year. Among other objects this institution has in view that of keeping - a vigilant eye on the needs of the district, and of the bringing such matters as require attention before the notice of the various bodies governing them. In this, as in other backblock districts, some-sort of organisation to assume this work is essential to the wellfare of settlers. Before the meetingdispersed those present took the opportunity of discussing the advisability of making a movment to request a re-survey being made of the Waitawhenwa route of the Stratford-Auck-land railway, and it was to have a petition drawn up, and forwarded to Mr W.T.Jennings, M.H.R., for presentation to the Minister. This movement deserves the fullest support of both Auckland and King Country districts, and should receive the favourable consideration of the authorities, as almost the whole of the route between Mangaroa and the proposed junction with the Main Trunk, lies through closely settled country, and will also lessen the distance between Auckland and Stratford by many miles. I understand that a social is to be tendered to Mr W. Bennett on Friday next, prior to his departure for Victoria. This function will be well attended, as Mr Bennett, during his residence here, has made himself I deserving of the highest respect.