MAROKOPA.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 485, 24 July 1912, Page 3

MAROKOPA.

Own Correspondent. POSTAL MATTERS. ' A meeting of settlers was held at Mr F. Templeman's, Kiritehere, at the beginning of last week in order to discuss matters of importance concerning the district. Mr John Bell occupied the chair. There was a large attendance and the eagerness of discussion by those present was indicative of the necessity of many wants. The first matter to be considered was that of the mail service and after considerable discussion it was unanimously agreed to draw a petition to be forwarded to Mr C. K. Wilson, M.P., asking him to use his best endeavours with the Postal Department in order to bring about a bi-weekly mail between Te Kuiti and Marokopa along the present route, and for delivery at all rural post boxes. The neessity of the matter was referred to by many settlers, some of whom

pointfid out that when the service was inaugurated a little over three years ago that the mail contractor was able to carry the mail in front of him on the'saddle, but now it took a staunch pack horse to struggle with it. The large increase of mail matter into the district along the route, settlers considered, justified the Postal Department to call tenders for a bi-weekly service fur the new contract which will commence from the beginning of next year. The improvement of the service is not only very desirous, but highly urgent. The rapid strides made throughout the district during the past five years is sufficient evidence of what is required in the future. The mail service has arrived at that stage that it has become absolutely essential that a change for the better must be effected. At present the position is most unsatisfactory as settlers this side of Mangaohae are unable to answer their correspondence for a week. When the new contract comes into force it will also be necessary that the mail comes right through from Te Kuiti to Marokopa staying there a night and returning en the home trip the day after. These improvements are needed, and at present require the careful consideration of the officers of the department. The dairying industry bids fair to flourish in the district, and it is only natural that farmers should be desirous of having their business conducted expeditiously. TELEPHONE TO TE KUITI.

The question of the continuation of the Marokopa-Moeatoa line to the Mangaohae was the next matter for consideration, and it was decided to forward a letter to the Telegraph Department asking why the work of completing the line had been delayed. The subject was keenly discussed, and several severe criticisms were levelled at the department for failing to have carried out the work as originally intended, and required by settlers. It was also pointed out that the completion rf the line was urgently needed as settlers required the convenience of doing their business with Te Kuiti. It only required the erection of another nine or ten miles of line to complete the link and settlers were of the opinion that no stone should be left unturned to have the desired object carried into effect. A letter was received from the Te Kuiti Chamber of Commerce, promising support and asking for details.

ROADS. It was alo decided to communicate with the member for the district asking his support in the obtaining of a substantial sum of money on the next Estimates for the completion of the widening of the Mangakokopu and Pomerangi roads. It was pointed out that the completion of these roads was very important as it would give the district direct vehicular communication with Te Kuiti and that only from nine to ten miles of formation Would be necessary to complete the works. These roads are part of the mail and stock route and are certainly deserving of a little more consideration than they have been getting in the past. This route will aIHO serve for settlers who will take up the large area of country shortly to be put on the market south of the Kiritehere. KAWHIA RAILWAY. As the result of a communication received from Mr V. Jackson, secretary of the Ratanui Railway League,

amount of discussion took place and settlers expressed the opinion that tha proposed or talked of line from Otoruhanga to Kawhia would be of little of no service to tha country inasmuch as it would only nerve a narrow strip of country. The unanimous verdict 'or those present was that the route was not desirable and that a line running to a point at deep water on the south side of the Kawhia habour would be a saner and wiser policy for the reason that more country would be opened up and more settlers served. A route which has long been in the minds of settlers was mentioned, and after a good deal of talk it—via Te Anga,' Mangaoha, Ratanui, Pio Pio, etc — loomed vividly once more on the horizon. A further point in connection with the matter was discussed and that was that the route via Otorohanga unly gave Auckland merchants the monopoly, but it a more southern point was adopted merchandise from the

south would be in a position to compete with that of ths north. Thia, settlers estimated, was a very essential and important feature. SPORTS MEETING. At a meeting held at Marokopa on the 13th inst., Mr J. Wouldes in the chair, it was decided to hold an axemen's carnival and sports meeting on Friday, October 25th. Mr C. K. Wilson, M.P., was elected patron, and IMrE. C. Stanley president. A large number of vice - presidents were elected. The following committee was chosen: —Messrs J. Smith, T. Whelan, J. Wouldes, A. Patterson, Read, W. F. Dines, R. Barlow, R. Brett, N. Marshall, M. Poulson, R. Neilsen, D. Hill, Cook, Hunter Bros , T. Vicary, H. Richards, F. Bell, G. Richards; secretary and treasurer, Mr R. C. Honore; judges, Messrs P. Bull, J. Willison, P. C. Rose; starter, Mr M. Kinnaine. A lengthy programme was drawn up and comprises chopping, running, wrestling and aquatic events. A dance is to be held in the hall in the evening.