MR. JENNINGS ON TOUR.

King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 80, 1 May 1908, Page 3

MR. JENNINGS ON TOUR.

A Trip Through the Backblocks

Mr W. T. Jennings, Member for the district, returned io Te Kuiti on Tuesday after completing a tour of the southern portion of the electorate, including Mairoa, Paemako, Mahoenui, Aria, and the Ohura districts. The Easter holidays were spent by the Member in making himself acquainted with the requirements of the various districts mentioned, and Mr Jennings was greatly impressed with the progress made since his last tour, twelve months ago. Deputations of settlers waited upon the Member at the different places visited, and local requirements were made known. At Kaeaea, Mr Jennings delivered an address in the schoolroom, dealing with the various matters of local interest, including the question of railway deviation. With regard to the railway route the Member said it was chiefly a matter for the engineers to decide, and the one thing to be avoided was the starting of a battle of routes. However the question was determined* he hoped the settlers would unite cordially in advocating an early start of the work, and endeavour.to have the line started from the King Country end directly the Main Trunk line was completed. Mr Jennings then proceeded to Mangapapa, where he addressed the settlers in' the schoolroom, and the following day left for Mangaroa, where he attended the Rifle Club's shooting match. Tatu was also visited by the Member, and this settlement Mr Jennings describes as the w r orst circumstanced in the whole district as regards roads, bridges, and other adjuncts of civilisation. There is no telephonic communication, and the school building is a very indifferent whare. These matters were represented to the Member, who promised to use his best endeavours to alleviate the position. In connection with the telephone, Mr Jennings stated that the line would have been erected last summer, but it was found impossible to cart the necessary poles, until a road was formed. The Mahorahora deviation is a large and important road work which, when completed, will give Tatu and Tokorima settlers connection with Mangaroa. At Matiere the following day the settlers interviewed the Member with reference to the main road through the township, and asked that the road should be made.

Speaking generally as a result of his tour, Mr Jennings expressed the opinion that the district had developed wonderfully during the past year or two, despite the enormous disabilities in the matter of roads. The main Te Kuiti-Awakino road, and the OngarueMangaroa road were in a worse condition than he had previously seen them. This was clue to the great increase of traffic following the expansion of settlement, and metal was urgently required. Mr Jennings expressed the hope that the extra £200,000, which the Government intended to set apart for necessitous roads would relieve the position considerably. The Member met a large number of new settlers, and is of opinion that the eountry is being taken up by the right type of mensettlers who are imbued with the spirit of progress, and the determination to make the district one of the finest in the Dominion. Mr Jennings left Te Kuiti on Tues= day for Taumarunui, and intends to visit Wellington next week.