WAITEWHENA.

King Country Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 330, 21 January 1911, Page 6

WAITEWHENA.

A COMING DISTRICT

The Waitewhena district runs North from Mangaroa in the direction of Te Kuiti, and is the country which part of the rival railway line to the Stratford-Ongarue route would go through. It contains approximately 20.000 acres, of which about 5000 acres are improved. The country all through i 3 eminently adapted for sheep farming, and where fully improved will have enormous carrying powers. The country has only been settled about five years, and is now carrying about 10,000 sheep and 500 head of cattle. Sheep are looking well and the present spell of fine weather is being taken advantage, of to complete shearing. Settlers report a satisfactory clipj and it is estimated that 145 bales of wool will come fmm the district this season. Grass has taken well and signs of careful felling and sowing are to be seen on all hands. Cocksfoot and rye appear to thrive excellently, as well as the finer sheep grasses. Feed is very plentiful and stock are looking well. A co3iderable amount of bush has been felled during the pa3t season and already several area 3 have been burned.

The Waitewhena road is one that has been neglected very much during the past couple of years. The Northern end which has its outlet through Te Kuiti is blocked to vehicular traffic and is a source of considerable inconvenience. The Southern part, which goes through Mangaroa, is not much better off, although a vehicle can be got along after much risk. This road last year had a good grant but only a small"portion of it was spent. This year there i 3 £BOO voted, but as yet nothing is being done. Settlers complain that they are being severely dealt with. These roads are only good for a few months in the year, and if they cannot get their goods along them, it means considerable expense and waste of time. This road is a most important one. It runs due North and South, and is the shortesc and most direct r"ute bswteen Mangaroa and Te Kuiti. It will also serve a good part of the Mokau-Jones estate when thyt country is opened up. Roads will run from there to it and consequently a big traffic will eventuate later.

■ Adjacent to this country is a fine block of about 10,000 acres of Crown land which ought to be thrown open. It would be of immense service to that part and would assist to minimise the taxation on settlers at present residing in that part. The country is good and would be splendid for sheep farming. There is no doubt but that it would be eagerly sought after. The district has a po3t office and will shortly, it is understood, be connected by telephone with Mangaroa. The office 13 at Mr Barnett's homestead, which is about six miles from the Northern end of the Valley. I think settlers should make an effort at the Northern end to try and have the line etxended to Kaeaea, which would mean that direct communication would be had between Mangaroa and Te Kuiti. A considerable amqunt of business would also undoubtedly bo established with Aria and Pio Pio. I think the idea is worthy of serious consideration as a fine area of country and prosperous districts would become linked up.