COUNTRY NEWS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 374, 1 July 1911, Page 5

COUNTRY NEWS.

Tangitu. A meeting of the Tangitu Settlers' Association was held on Sunday last when the formation of a butter fac- v tory company was the matter under consideration. A working committee consisting of the following members wa appointed to ascertain the number of cows the different settlers were lire- • pared to guarantee: —Mr E. S. Powell,. Mangatika road; P. H. Clark, Ramaroaroad; R. Wiley, Patoto road; J. Small, Mangaiti road; W. ;Coombridge, Maipio road; H. Kirk, Mokauiti road; J. Patillo, Tata road; Geo. F. Banfield, Otamiti road There is every prospect ofa large factorybeing erected here, ready to start operations in the spring of 1912. Roads —and incidentally mud —became the topic of a good, deal of discussion. The present state of matters in this particular is beginning to assume a serious aspect for settlers who have riot teen early in securing

their winter supplies. "Packers" are threatening t**at if something be not done; to the road to the "eight-mile" they will cease operations. The Secretary was instructed to write the Resident Enigneer, Te Kuiti, and ask him to visit the settlement and see if something cannot be done to rectify things. What with the roads in an impassible state, and no telephone connection, we will be completely locked out from civilisation. The Bettlers are forced to reside with their wives and families on their respective holdings, and unless some immediate action is taken by the Public Works Depatment, I am afraid there is a hard winter in store for many of the unfortunate newcomers, many of whom have large families. Complants have been rife lately over the prices paid for different road works, many settlers not making more than three te five shillings per day. To support wives and families, with the exorbitant cost of bare necessities, is practically impossible. It is high time that this matter was brought under the notice of the higher officials, for no satisfaction can apparently be

bad from our present staff of the Public Works Department. Kiritehere—Moeatoa. A petition largely signe J by settlers in thi9district is being circulated with the object in view—the "object" is always "in view" —of • having the Arapae track converted into a dray road throughout its entire length, thfe onwidened portion of this track being only a mile or solong. The making of this short link of incomplete road would saVe settlers and others the necessity of carting goods, woo', fencing wire, etc.,' via Pio Pio, which round-about route is at present necessary. Mr Smart has informed me that the ancient Maori canoe found on nis farm in Kiritehere is lying in too awkward a position to be. easily photographed. He spates, however, that it can be shifted un to its side giving a much better position further down the hill. If a little clearing, he says, with axe and siasher be done, a good photograph of the relic might be taken. The annual planters' picnic was held in Marokopa oh 23rd inst, an eßtuary of iron-sand on the northren side of tbe Marokopa river, being planted in marram sand-binding grass. In time, under judicious management, Marokopa will blossom out as one of the prettiest little townships along the coast. The social held in.the evening wad perhaps the most successful of its kind jet held in Marokopa. It is reported here that good indications of gold have been found near Marokopa, or its continguous country. Much likely material has been treated by Enthusiastic prospectors. There is a great belt of promising country in the locality. ■/ Several frosts have been registered in these parts, and crops of early potatoes have suffered.

The road between Marokopa and Te Kuiti, on the Arapae route, is in fair condition for his time of year.

Oparure. On the last day of last month, the annual examination of the . Oparure Native School was conducted by Chief Inspector B' r d> M. A. The school pre"sented its full complement of pupils, each desk being fillei. The Inspector addressed the children in a very cordial and encouraging manner, expressing himself delighted to See so many children present, and all presenting such a tidy, happy and eager appearance. and all keen to have their last year's work put to the test. The cheering remarks from one is so qualified to judge should prove a very strong incentive to the children, especially the native children, to attend regularly at school, and endeavour to make good progress for the ensuing year. Every child in the school succeeded in passing the examination, and the names are appended : Standard Vll.—Sarah Turner, proficiency certificate. Standard Vl.^Rose-Joseph, competency certificate. Standard V.—Mihinga Thompsondux jof■ class, James Turner. PjoJly Hutu, Maggie Hotu,Teremanu Nikora.

Standard IV.—Rongo Hotu, Miriam Puhi, Tera Joseph. Ernest Atutahi. Standard lll.—Tom Moari, Anderson Katu. Standard 11. Chas,. Thomasen, Percy Thomasen, Samuel Puhi. Standard I. —Teripo Hotu, Reherehe Hotu, Evelyn Larsen, Paki Puhi, Naru Joseph. Senior Primer. —Naku Joseph, Mere Thompson, Eileen Turner, Willie Thompson, Tingi Hiriaki, Victor Thomasen. Junior Primer. —Mokn Pepi, Eliza Tumohe,Rukuruku Tame, Billy Netana, Tatana. The infant class below those mentioned was promoted in its entirety. The general report of the school and its work was excellent, and to quote the Inspector's words, great credit is reflected upon the teachers who have brought the school to a high state of efficiency.