King Country Progress

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 459, 24 April 1912, Page 3

King Country Progress

THROUGH THE BACKBLOCKS.

WAIMIHA

Special Commissioner.

The growth of the King Country of recent years has been phenomenal. The springing up of townships in various parts during recent years has been the natural result of land settlement. Th : s fact applies especially to the Waimiha township which has the closely-settled township of Tatigitu at its back. In the first place as a result of this settlement a railway siding was established which was shortly afterwards followed by a goods shed for the storing of settler's goods. This was in charge of nobody for about six months ater its erection, but the increase of supplies to be booked after necessitated the appointment of a man in charge. In those days, ami that is not so very long ago, the only means of telegraph communication was throuh the telephone of the Railway Department. However, duirng the short period under consideration a telephone bureau was established, and the residents of the township as well as the settlers in the Tangitu settlemnt, were brought somewhat closer to civilisation. The beginning of the mail business meant the "closing" of one bag, and to-day three mails for outlying places pass through the local offices. Although the amount is apparently small, yet it is an indication of what a few years can bring about, when it is remembered that the place was only scrub and fern a few years ago.

Looking across the Waimiha creek from the township are to be seen many thousands of acres of rollmg country, with here and there large tablelands, and for the most part in the hands of the natives. A big part of this conntry has bee;! classified as pumice lands, and, of course, on that account considered useless. These ideas must, however, be dispelled as these lands would bo worked intelligently if only put on the market. At present negotiations for areas of various sizes to the extent of 10000 acres are under way and there is little doubt that the realisation of what these lands can do close to the railway will be understood.

Going in Hie direction of Tangitu there is also a good amount of native land. A fair amount of it has been leased. There are also some Crown land farms which although only settled of recent years are looking well. An important industry has sprung up in the timber line. A new mill, erected about a year ago, is putting out a large quantity of timber. Besides the value that it is to local residents a large quantity is being exported. As soon as the road is improved to the Tangitu there will be a big local demand. The mill is well fitted out with up-to-date machinery. The Waimiha stream attracts a good few visitors for trout fishing, and good sport is generally obtained, the fish being of a nice size and quality. On the whole the district, considering the short period of settlement, has made rapid progress, and as soon as the settlement of the native lands in the district takes place the future of this young country township will be assured. When that comes about the Waimiha will be like other towns where the farming industry predominates.