THROUGH THE BACKBLOCKS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 449, 20 March 1912, Page 3

THROUGH THE BACKBLOCKS.

ARIA. No. 11. A matter of considerable importance to the district is being generally discussed by the directors of the factory and the settlers of the Mahoenui district. Owing to the bad condition of the Te Kuiti-Awakino road and the improbability of: decent means of transit for many years to come, and the immediate desire of a number of Mahoenui settlers to begin dairying, they are seriously considering the proposition of joining hands with the Aria settlers. The new road which is being put through from Aria to Mahoenui via Totoro is almost completed and the only obstacle in the way at present is the bridging of the Mokau. This route would mean only a distance of seven miles between the two settlements, and settlers are of opinion that if proper representations are made concerning the project that it will be carried out. There is also the fact that the Aria cream cart would be able to pick up the Mahoenui cream at a point four miles from the factory. If the proposal 33 carried into effect it will mean a enormous increase of output to the Aria factory, especially when it is considered that there are almost 14,000 acres of dairying country extending from the head of the Mahoenui Valley to Stoney Creek. The possibilities of this splendid area which is all improved and in a fit condition for dairying would be hard to guage. Admittedly the holdings are on the large side, but the majority and in fact, almost everyone, have expressed their willingness to subdivide, provided a satisfactory arrangement and a reasonable opportunity of access could be made. The proposition as at present mooted seems to be a feasible une and for the time being would certainly be an advantageous one to all iconcerned. The land available for dairying in the valley, if subdivided into farms of from 200 to 300 acres each, would mean 60 tJ 70 settlers in the district, instead of the few that are there at present, and that from 4000 cows upwards could be milked. Another advantago of the district for the successful carrying out of the industry would be that fully twothirds of the land could be ploughed, and without doubt would produce crops at very little expense, equal to any other part of the country. Several of the directors state that a number of settlers in the Mokauiti Valley would supply their factory ifa road was made into the block. The country is of fairly easy grade and little or no expense would be attachd to its formation Settlers in the Paraheka Valley are also favouring the idea of supplying the Aria factory and for the present abandon the erection of a factory in that locality.

ARIA COAL SEAMS. With the object of procuring cheap fuel for the running of the factory, a proposal is under discussion between the Aria and Pio Pio directors with regard to a deposit of coal discovered midway between those places near the Kohu road. The object in view is to make an application to the Government to conduct it under State control with the view of assisting these local industries. A conference is to be held between both parties at an early date when the matter will be fully discussed, and if advisable, steps taken to bring the project into operation. The Aria directors; failing anything coming if this proposal, have an alternative in view. They have ascertained that a. 15 foot seam of coal has been discovered at the head of the Waitewhena Valley and if the necessary arrangements can be made of a supply from there. OPEN THE LAND Another matter of importance to the district is the opening up of the Tangitu block, 2000 acres of native land and 600 acres of Crown lands in the Totoro district adjoining the Mokau river. The former block is ideal land for dairying, and is surrounded on all sides by roads. At present the native owners refuse to deal with it in any shape or form and settlers consider that this block, which is but a breeding ground for noxious weeds, should be acquired from the Government, and cut up into small sections. The latter is also ideal country, and is surrounded by settlement.

waggons arc being stuck up frequently. The very bad condition at present is in a certain measure due to the vorv bad weather conditions. Nevertheless the big' programme of metalling various places in the districts, the contracts of which were supposed to be let some little time back, is conspicuous by its absence. .Settlers are loud in their wailing about, tno matter and are always prepared to discuss any other subject in a more amicable way than roads. The present outlook of this season points to a very trying one for settlers on account of the unspeakable condition of the roads. Ihe obtaining of supplies promises to become a very costly item. The recentdecision of the carriers to raise the cost of cartage from Aria to Te Kuiti from £2 log to £4 per ton was like a bombshell amongst the settlers, Roading in a more expeditious manner is wanted especially when women and children who have been in the district from five to seven years have scarcely ever been further than the boundary of their own sections. These pioneers on the frontiers of settlement honestly deserve more consideration. There i? but little doubt that when the Aria district has the native land question settled and better roads that it will have an excellent future. Dairying will be the star performer and from all appearances there is every likelihood and in fact little doubt but that the industry will flourish. For the state of advancement at the present time everything bears a sign of prosperity.

KAEAEfI. The Kaeaea district is a considerable factor at present in the success of dairying in the district and promises to be even greater in the future. There is a large tract of country which is flat and for the most part good land. A number of farms are being successfully worked and a considerable amount of ploughing is being done. Turnips thrive remarkably well, and some splendid crops are to be witnessed this season. There is, however, one very important question which afEects that district, and that is the question of drainage. An attempt has been made in the past to form a drainage board, but owing to the opposition the matter fell through. Next, application was made to the Taranaki Land Board for assistance, and failed to elicit any. It is a great pity that settlers who are anxious to bring these swamps into cultivation do not receive encouragement. It is impossible for the ordinary settler to carry out any comprehensive scheme of the kind as drainage is one of the most expensive forms of bringing in virgin land. The matter is one which should be seriously considered by the land board, who should without doubt endeavour to assist their tenants in such an unfortunate position. There are very many acres of this class of country and a systematic scheme of drainage would be of incalculable benefit to the settlers and the district at large. WEATHER AND ROADS. The question which most vital<y affects this district is roads. At present they are in a deplorable state and