THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1908. THE PREMIER'S ROADING POLICY.

King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 69, 14 February 1908, Page 2

THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1908. THE PREMIER'S ROADING POLICY.

An important feature of the Premier's recent Policy Speech at Auckland, and one which vitally affects this district, was the announcement that, in addition to the usual annual road grants, the Government intended setting aside the sum of £200,000 each year, for a period of five years, for the purpose of providing for some of the most necessitous roads of the country. An indication that a definite scheme has been matured with regard to the road question, lies in the fact that the details have evidently been thought out, and the manner of apportioning the yearly amount is set forth. That the system of grants does not meet ordinary requirements is known only too well by those who have taken up their residence in new country, and it is not to be wondered at that the insistent cry of the pioneer has at last been heeded. There was no hint given by the Premier of the districts to which the increased expenditure, or any portion thereof, would be applied, and presumably the matter will be left to the Departmental officers assisted, as is always the case, by the representations of the settlers in various districts. There can be no question, that in order to maintain a progressive land settlement policy, the Government opened up country for settlement without making adequate provision for roading, and the present scheme is the natural outcome of hasty action in the past. The King Country is one of the districts that has suffered in the manner indicated, and, in conjunction with other conditions not applicable to other localities, the situation has become as bad as it could be. In the circumstances there is every reason to advance the claims of our district for a reasonable proportion of the expenditure, and it is to be hoped no effort will be spared towards attaining that desirable end. Unfortunately, political influence and agitation play a most important part in obtaining recognition by the Government, and with but small numerical representation in Parliament to urge our claims, it behoves the whole of our settlers to unite loyally, and make themselves heard with no uncertain sound in support of proper recognition of our road requirements. Mr McNab's ingenuous advice to those whe wanted anything from the Government—to ask, and make refusal the ground for asking in a more emphatic manner — may be taken to heart. A reservation may be made to the effect that it is desirable to ask in such ail emphatic manner at first that refusal is improbable. Doubtless the County Council will make strong efforts to obtain the necessary recognition for our district, but it goes without saying that the hand of the Council will be strengthened immeasurably by having the unanimous agitation of the public to support its claims. The first opportunity to advance our claims will occur when the Premier visits the district, and it is to be hoped one of the first matters of importance to be brought before the Premier's notice, will be that of increased (expenditure on our roads, and the inclusion of some of our highways among those on which the special expenditure is to be undertaken.

BACKBLOCK EDUCATION. the very real and material needs of backkloplj: §ett}ers the (juestion of educating the children a§= sumes a prominent position immedN ately the initial work of the pioneer has been overcome. To the credit

of the Education Department, be it said that the Departmental officials endeavour to provide for all the cases brought before their notice. The doctrine of " free education " has fitting!}' taken deep root in New Zealand, and the man who is not anxiously alive to the duly of educating his offspring, is usually regarded as somewhat lower than common clay. However, in the backblocks, and particularly within the confines of the Rohe Potae, there is much reason for the settlers to keep continually alert in order to provide leven a rudimentary education for the backblock children. The settler knows, when he takes up his home in the back country, that he is sacrificing many of the conveniences and advantages attached to town life and, without regret, accepts conditions as he finds them, in the hope that progress will reach his district in a few years, and bring in its train at least the most necessary adjuncts of civilisation, which are welcome to progressive men the world over. The march of progress has at last reached the King Country, and it is gratifying" to find that the settlers, in addition to agitating for necessary public requirements to aid them rin their business, are keenly alive to the necessity of providing an education for their children on the best lines possible. A movement is now on foot in the Piopio and surrounding districts ifor the purpose of having a school established at Piopio, and a meeting of settlers is advertised for February 22nd to discuss the project. It is to be hoped no effort will be spared to attain the object. Anyone acquainted with the conditions of back country life, and the state of our roads in winter, must be aware of the necessity of providing schools in the most central localities. Backblock parents have a heavy tax to pay for education, and the state of the roads in winter prevents many children from taking advantage of the schooling provided. A distance of ten miles a day is often travelled by children attending school, and it is obvious that, even with good roads, none but the older boys and girls can attend. The establishing of a school at Piopio would provide at present for the education of about a dozen European children, but the district is rapidly increasing in population, and it is generally acknowledged that a school is bound to be established at the centre mentioned. Another feature in connection wiih the case is the large number of Maori children of ! school age in the district. We are credibly informed that Native children to the number of about thirty are growing up without any chance of acquiring an education. These arguments, in addition to others, will doubtless be advanced at the forthcoming meeting, and it is to be hoped sufficient interest will be evinced by those affected, to agitate successfully for the attainment of their object.

TEKUITI LIBRARY. Among the many useful institutions which grow up in all civilised communities the public library probably affords more real pleasure and recreation than any other, to say nothing of the educational advantages 'derivable from a well-equipped institution. 1 e Kuiti possesses a library, which was started about seven years ago by the few people who resided in the township at that time. The institution has filled a niche in the social life ol the community, and ministered to the intellectual wants of those whose pleasure lies in books. Now, however the time has arrived when in order to be of the most benefit to all the library should be placed on a better footing. It is superfluous to catalogue the advantages, or draw attention to the benefits derivable from a properly established library. Next to free education and'almost inseparable from the same, the free public libraryis one of the most desirable institutions in any civilised community. It is to be hoped all residents will respond to the call for assistance and unite in providing the town with an institution worthy of the place and a credit to those whose children will hereafter reap a corresponding benefit from it.