MAROKOPA.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 481, 10 July 1912, Page 6

MAROKOPA.

Own Correspondent,

The s.s. Pitoitoi, Captain Robertson in command, arrived in port as per timetable. Owing to the very small tideSxthia full moon, the vessel was unable reach the two wharfs. She was obliged to anchor near the school, and lighter her cargo to the wharf sheds Lightering costs 5s per ton and the public are realising the extra cost they are sometimes obliged to pay for this transit of goods would pay interest on the cost of a wharf and shed. It is estimated that the vessel under normal river conditions can reach the wharfs, where they are at present, in only three days out of 14. Hence the need for the people's attention to this important matter. A meeing of settlers has been convened by Mr Wouldes to discuss this matter, and reply to correspondence from the Marine Department.

Messrs Lloyd Bros, held an entertainment in the hall, and it was well attended. This is the first entertainment a travelling company has ever held in the township. Mr Lloyd announced, that it is their intention to visit Marokopa periodically, and hold moving picture entertainments. The many friends of Mr' W. P. Dines are pleased to find he is back amongst them once more, he having accepted the secretaryships of the Marokopa Dairy Company and Saleyards Company. ' Interest in sports has again revived. A meeting is convened to discuss the advisability of holding an axemen's carnival here in October. At the last meeting of the directors of the Marokopa Dairy Company, it was decided to collect the cream from the Ratanui district at the Mangaohae. crossing provided that cream from 15(JJ cows was forthcoming from the district. Considerable comment was made regarding the inactivity of the Government in failing to make the road through the Mangaohae gorge fit for vehicular traffic. The present condition of affairs is that the road is proving itself very inimical to the company's interest, as well as. the settlers generally. The road has been under construction for many years, and settlers now think that they have the industry established that the Public Works Department should awake from its lethargy, and do something in the matter. The purchase of horses and waggon for the carting of cream during next season was left in the hands of a committee. The annual meeting of the company will take place early next .month in order that everything may be got in readiness for the ensuing season, which the directors anticipate will be commenced about the middle of September. The outlook for the season is very promising, and a number of new suppliers will be included in the next list. Messrs Vicary Bros, are about to commence the erection of an up-to-date milking shed, and intend to do ! their milking right from th& beginning by machinery. Other settlers in the district are getting in readiness; and work in connection with the successful carrying out of the arrangements is well in band.

The Marokopa district, from a dairying point of view, bids fair to rank in the category of the first order in the King Country. A large area is admirably adapted for dairying, and judging by the preparations being made for next season's operations the increase of the industry will be considerable.

A meeting of settlers was held on Thursday afternnoon to consider a letter received, from the Minister of Marine in connection with thß erection of a wharf and shed at Marokopa. Mr E. C. Stanley presided. The Ministerial letter stated that an engineer of the department had inspected the Bite, and had made an estimate of the cost, which was £BOI. It was suggested by the Minister that the county council should take the matter in hand, and contribute toward* the cost of erection. The letter pointed out that the sum of £2OO was placpd on the Estimates last session for the work. After considerable discussion itwas pointed out that the incoming shipping of the port was 60 tons monthly, and on the proposition of Messrs J. Wouldes and J. Willison, the meeting decided to inform the Minister that settlers were prepared to levy from Is to 1b 6d per ton for goods, incoming and outgoing, this amount to be pledged towards the interest on a loan for the settlers' contribution.

Considerable interest is being manifested in the next rowing race for the Willison Cup, which is to eventuate next week. The contestants are H. Richards, holder, and Tom Vicary. The fine stretches of water on the Marokopa waterway are ideal for rowing, and the young men of the district are availing themselves of nature's fine provision. Four more sculling boats are on order, and wheh completed some excellent sport Bhould be forthcoming. The euchre parties and dances, conducted by Mrs Willison and Miss Haylock in aid of the hall extension funds, continues to be well patronised, and are proving highly entertaining. A movement is on foot in connection with the establishing of a library in the district The matter is one that will undoubtedly be taken up heartily by settlers.