MOKAU NEWS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 64, 10 January 1908, Page 3

MOKAU NEWS.

[By Telegraph.] Mokau, Thursday. The annual meeting of the Mokau River Trust Board took plage here last night, Messrs Njcholls (Chairman), Jennings, M.P., S. Percy Smith (ex-Surveyor General), and A. Kelly were present. The year's proceedings showed that snagging operations, up to the coal mines at Maryville, had been successful, and three steamers are now trading on the river. In consequence of the rapid settlement during the past three years up to Totoro, the Trust decided to proceed with clearing the river above Maryville twenty-two miles, as far as Totoro. Mr Jennings was authorised to engage expert opininn as to the hest course \o pursue. QliiteV g}oqm was cast over Mqkai) and Awakino yesterday, wljen it ber came known a fine young inan, named Rohept Fernstone, was drowned while bathing. A very unique gathering took place at Mokau Hall on Christmas Day, when the white settlers entertained their Maori brethren in recognition of the hospitality shown by Maoris to Pakeha settlers at Awakino. There was a representative gathering and Messrs Jennings and Percy Smith addressed the assemblage, congratulating both Maori and European upon the kindly feeling shown throughout the Mokau district. A Maori visitor from Utiku was attired in a ! a Highland dress worth 60 guineas, and though deaf and d\jhi% gay,e two 1 Spofch daflcgs 'in/'a 'manner which would sujpßse Scotchmen.