KIRITEHERE.

King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 92, 24 July 1908, Page 5

KIRITEHERE.

(Own Correspondent.) This district is progressing considerably, though in common with other localities at this time of the year it is very much the outer world. However, we are hoping for a share of the extra expenditure promised by the Premier for the backblock roads. At present there are several gangs of men working on the roads, making a three foot track through the Mangakakopa and Pomorangi, to connect with Ngapaenga. When completed this will bring us into direct communication with Te Kuiti. A petition is being circulated for signature requesting to have the Waipa road widened to the river. The distance is only three miles, and as the Kiritehere Valley is flat it would give nine miles of a dray road to get our stores and other necessities from the Heads. Under present conditions it takes all our money, and a great deal of our time, to get food stuffs in, and the extra facilities would be a great assistance to the settlers. We are pleased to hear there .is a prospect of the Stratford Railway deviation being started from Hangitiki oi\Otorohanga, because it would then approach nearer the Mairoa, and bring our district into closer touch with the railway. At presentnve are thirty-five miles distant from the triin. It is stated that Captain Williamson has sold his store at Marakopa Heads to a Wellington firm; also that Mr. Chase, of Kawhia, is buying out the flax-mill store. A strong petition is being forwarded to the authorities urging that the mail should come from Te Kuiti instead of Kawhia, as at present. The contract for the present service expires at the beginning of August, and we are anxious to have the route changed when the new contract is let. The furthest part of the district is only 20 miles distant from the Ngapaenga post office, whereas we are 40 miles from Kawhia, and letters would be received, and much more quickly by the Te Kuiti route. The settlers are paying £2O to make up the amount of £SO for a weekly mail, which is very little use to them. The district is coming on gradually and in a season or two there should be a substantial increase in the prosperity of the locality. Hitherto it has been a case of hard work, and money spent for very little return, but the benefit is now beginning to be felt. With better roads the settlers would have cause to rejoice.