MAIROAHUIAO-MATIERE ROAD.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 457, 17 April 1912, Page 5

MAIROAHUIAO-MATIERE ROAD.

A matter of considerable importance to settlers in a rapidly growing district is the completion of the Miroahuiao-Matiere road, a thoroughfare which provides connection between the northern end of the Ohura and the Te Kuiti district. Throughout its whole length the road opens up country capable of close settlement, and in addition to being a highly important link between two fine districts, it is destined to become a main thoroughfare into which will converge numerous bye-roads from fertile country yet to be opened. A considerable amount of work has been done on the road from both the Ohura and Te Kuiti ends, and the Ohura settlers are

now projecting a scheme to metal several miles Such enterprise is highly commendable, and the result cannot fail to add to the progress and prosperity of the district. T:ie result, however, would be greatly enhanced by the completion of the road throughout, and it is to be hoped the department will be inspired to special activity in effecting the completion without delay. A length of this important thoroughfare still exists as merely a bridle track, and in places, even in summer, the track cannot be negotiated without danger. Such a state of things, though not uncommon in new districts, should not be allowed to continue a moment longer than is necessary to have the formation work completed. The drawbacks incidental to back block life are too well known to require elaboration and the ordinary drawbacks are unreasonably increased by the existence of such a road. It is high time the opening up of land for settlement was coupled with the establishment of a reasonable and irreducible minimum in the shape of reading facilities. Such a pulicy would meet with widespread approbation and support. The sparselyVettled country would quickly become populated, arid the completion i of the roads by the settled into permanent metalled highways would be accomplished in a much shorter space of time than at present. The more rapid development of the back country, and the increased prosperity which would follow would be ample compensation for the expenditure, while the saving in many respects due to the improved facilities would be a very material benefit to the settlers, and to the country at large. 1 Such examples as the Miroahuiao- : Matiere road strikingly emphasise the ! drawbacks of back block life, and the obvious duty of the Governmen is to accomplish the maximum each season in the effort to minimise the » hardships occasioned by the lack or ■ elementary roading facilities.

Mr Graham's inserts particulars of his Saturday's auction slae. There is a most interesting catalogue. See advertisement for particulars. A choir has been formed in connection with the Methodist Church, and will make its first appearance on Sunday evening at the usual service held in tiie Municipal Hall. The choir will be asissted by several visiting friends and render some special music.

The Rev. Robert Day.late secretary of the Congregational Union of New South Wale 3, and now editor of the Australian Christian World, who is at present on a holiday tour in New Zealand, will preach in the Congregational Church next Sunday both morning and evening.

The annual meeting of householders for the election of a school committee will be held at the school. Te Kuiti, on April 22nd, at 7 o'clock. Attention is drawn to an advertisement referring to the meeting which appears in another column of this issue. Mr Graham notifies the sale by auction on Tuesday. 23rd of April, of Mr Rosenberg's furniture. The auctioneer is instructed tu clear every line of this nice, clean, little lot of wellkept stuff. The piano ran be seen at any time before the sale on application to Mr Graham.

In view of the considerable importation of motor cars of foreign make (especially American) statistics as to the number of cars of different makes actually in use are being collected by his Majesty's trade commissioner in the Dominion. The information is intended for the guidance of British manufacturers.

On Thursday evening next the local lodge of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, M.U., extend a hearty invitation to the townspeople to hear addresses by the district officers who are returning from the annual conference of the Order recently held in Christchurch. A pleasant evening should be passed and it is hoped that a good attendance will be present to support the loc.al officials in welcoming the district visitors.

We have pleasure in drawing attention to an advertisement in this issue announcing the opening of a new business in Te Kuiti by Mr Herb. Connell, who will carry a complete stock of gent's mercery, hats, etc. he wellknown Auckland firm of Connell Bos. have appointed Mr Connell their representative.