COUNTRY NEWS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 368, 10 June 1911, Page 6

COUNTRY NEWS.

Own Correspondents. Matiere. The announcement of a speedy start on the formation of the railway at Ongarue has caused "the man in the street" to opine that "The Government really mean something!" and that the promise of the railway is not merely the old, hoary election dodge. A decidedly better tone has prevailed among settlers, and few, if any, are now inclined to sell out. This optimistic spirit has aiso reflected itself in inducing a livelier expenditure on improvements, etc. The Matiere Court sat on June Ist, and some score of cases were set down for hearing, but only one was defended. In the case of the Ohura Dairy Co., Niho Nino, versus Richard Hill, a claim for calls on the shares, the defendant urged that he was not legally a shareholder in the company, not having signed a second agreement drawn after the allotment of shares had taken place; but the plaintiffs' Chairman stated that the second agreeement wa9 one of a guarantee by suppliers for amouunt of mortgage and other liabilities. As it was shown that the defendant had applied for and been allotted shares, and had paid the primary calls on the same. The Bench gave judgment in favour of plaintiffs.—ln the cases brought by the Ohura County Council for recovery of rates, judgment went by default aeainst Jas. McDonald, senr, and F. McDonald respectively. Other cases of a like nature had been settled out of court. —In the case of Ohura Dairy Co. versus Robt. Barrett, claim for calls on shares, judgment went by default.—The claim of Feretina Rupena v. F. Bartin, £9—value of a horse —was, by the non-appearance of defendant, given for plaintiff.—ln the case of the Ohura Medical Association versus G. Humphries, of Uriku, judgment went by default; other cases of a similar nature having been settled out of court, with the exception of one which was adjourned.—The court rose after a very short and expeditious Bitting. Messrs Hunt and Heath were the presiding Justices, and Mr Metcalfe appeared for the Ohura County Council, Ohura Medical Association, and the Ohura Dairy Company.

, The Matiere sale on 6th June, though not so large in entries as the former sale, was a very fair one. Sheep were not in large numbers, and were all sold under the hammer. The cattle were mostly grown sorts, and sold fairly well, but in some cases failed to reach sellers' reserves; and as feed is plenteous, the majority can afford to hold. Fresh and store 2 and 4 tooth wethers fetched up to 12s 9d, and breeding ewes made about 10s, while fat cows were sold up £6. A feature of the sale was the almost utter absence of calves, the greater part being grown cattle. Many of the cattle were bought by Messrs Ross, of Pieketiti, and Chas. Ryan, of Taumarunui. The latter is a consistent buyer of all the fat stock available, and is what ia termed a "good buyer," and supplies Main Trunk denizens with the "best Ohura" in the shape of beef and mutton. : A presentation from a few friends of Mr Thos. Agang, formerly of "The Eleven-mile," but now of Waitangata, was made on sale day as a slight token of gratitude by some of the many who benefitted by "Tommy's" hospitality. Few who have travelled the long stretch of road from Ongarue have passed without a call on "Tommy," who invariably "slung th* billy," cared for any knocked up beast, and generally acted the good Samaritan. Many lady travellers too were very grateful for the ever ready cup of tea at the hands of the genial, cheery little man. The presentation took the form of a valuable gold mounted fountain pen, add the ceremony was trusted to Mr Lyon, who wished Mr Agang the opportunity of writing many 'arge cheques with the pen. It may be here mentioned that Mr Agang who came to this country when nine years of age, is a pattern bush farmer, fully up to date in stock and their management. He also shares the distinction of being one of the only two Chinese sheep farmers in the Dominion, as disclosed by a former census. Perhaps the happiest valedictory was expressed by a former neighbour, who said, "He had not an enemy." Mr Lyon has, through the courtesy of the Commissioner of Lands, been furnished with a tracing of the local cemetery reserve, and the road leading thereto, and a meeting is to be held at Matiere Hall to provide trustees for this plot, and that of the recreation reserve. I believe a petition is being circulated for signature for the purpose of having a Post-office erected on the proper site, and that it has been largely signed. The day of the pack-horse seems to be drawing to a close. Mr Luckman has several sprir.g drays on order. One cannot help wishing that bullocks and pack-horse 3 had the same disappearing qualities which Sam Weller informed Mr Pickwick were possessed by donkeys and post-boys, alleging that few if, any, dead ones were ever seen.