COUNTRY NEWS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 329, 18 January 1911, Page 3

COUNTRY NEWS.

❖ Own Correspondents. Mapara. The settlers of the above block, ably assisted by the adjoining natives held their first picnic on the 2nd inst., in Mr Kennett's paddock. Favoured with good weather, a cheerful crowd, and good management, the. event proved one of the best ever held in the district. All sorts of games were kept going briskly, including running, jumping and tug-of-war, the latter proving the most amusing', especially the pull between the Maori and pakeha, the superior weight of the former telling, while the more sturdy an:nog the young men, gave some real willing exhibitions of wrestling. Mr Helms, as general factotum, proved indispensable. He was, in fact, to use the words of the song, "all over the shop." Amongst the ladies Mrs Larsen worked hard to make every one satisfied. Consider ing the settlement is only about a year old, the day's outing, with its fun, feasting and undoubted hospitality, shows what stuff the settlers are made of, not to mention the good feeling existing between the white population and the natives. It is the intention of the settlers to hold another gala day on or about the 23rd inst., to celebrate the opening of the Mapam-Mokau bridge, when all who enjoy a good day's fun, a good spread, and plenty of cold water, mixed with "something stronger" ought to be present.

Ohura. The Ohura Co-operative Dairy Company paid 8d for the November menth, paying to suppliers of milk and cream, and £lO5 wages and goods, a total of £569 for the month. The supply is keeping stsadily 'in advance of last season. The directors are arranging for the installation of a large Toplis combined churn and butter worker for next season's work; also the erection of a skimming station near Matiere, for which they require a guarantee of 400 cows. General discontent is being expressed by the settlers at the dilatorinesa of the officer in charge of the roads in expending the various votes for reading in the district. A very largely signed petition is being circulated to have the connection made between Mangapapa and Ongarue. The opening of this road would place about one-sixth of the district within ten to fifteen miles of Ongarue railway station. To do this about two miles remains to be finished, and for two years a substantial vote has been granted—sufficient to do the work. The settlers have to make a detour of twenty-four miles to Ongarue. Truly they are possessed oc a patience worthy of Job. No roads, no railway! But rent day and rates are ever with them. Aria. A meeting of suppliers to the Aria Dairy factory was recently held at Aria, when the question of taking over the factory on co operative lines was discussed, and generally agreed to as desirable, subject to the price being settled by arbitration. The following were appointed provisional directors: -Messrs J. Collins, G. Nelson, G. Millar, C. Riddle, S. Riddle, S. Williamson and F. Elwood. It was found that 400 cows could be guaranteed and at the last meeting of directors, held on January 7th, about 410 cows were listed as available. At that meeting Messrs C. Riddle and S. Williamson were appointed to arrange the financial needs with the Rank of New Zealand. A further meeting is to be held to-day, at which the report of these directors will be considered.