OTOROHANGA.

King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 71, 28 February 1908, Page 3

OTOROHANGA.

For weeks the township has been enveloped in smoke. In all directions the hills have been ablaze, and settlers' clearings have been cleaned out of grass, and damage to fencing and loss of stock is a common topic. The mill bush has been on fire for weeks, and much of the tramway has been destroyed' Men have been on duty at nights keeping the flames from doing further damage. The scenic reserves in the distinct have been damaged, though not entirely ruined. The town has been out of water for some time, and well-sinking has been done in many places. A slight shower on Sunday gave a small supply of water deeply impregnated with dust and smoke, and drinking water is still at a premium. The Anglican Church Building Fund is progressing, nearly £2OO being on hand, and further subscriptions are coming in. The plan of a pretty little church has been forwarded by the Rev. Wingfield, of St. Albans, Mt. Albert, and the finished church tvould be an attractive feature in any district. The Native Land Court is still holding its sitting, and large numbers of Natives are assembled. The work of destroying" the willows in the Mangapu is still going on, a line of yellow-leaved trees, testifying to the scheme.

Though an addition was made to the school last year, it has sufficed only to date, and need of accommodation is again being felt. At present there is an average of 120, and if this continues it will warrant another assistant.

Accommodation in the township is at a premium, the boardinghouse being always full, and travellers have to continually move on to where they can get a bed. There is no doubt that another boardinghouse would be an immediate paying concern.