King Country Chronicle WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 1912 KING COUNTRY NEEDS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 485, 24 July 1912, Page 4

King Country Chronicle WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 1912 KING COUNTRY NEEDS.

That the urgent needs of the King Country are becoming more generally recognised is indicated by the increased interest being taken in the district by the leaders of the Government, and the visit of the new Minister for Public Works will be widely welcomed. The natural consequence of the rapid settlement of such a large extent of country, the creation of towns and the bringing into cultivation of hundreds of thousands

of acres of virgin country is a process which can only ba accomplished by the expenditure of an enormous amount of capital. When the process is complicated by the existence of large areas of native owned land under various tenures, together with the usual Crown settlement land, conditions are ' bound to arise which demand special treatment. Precedent for the position does not exist, and the initiative "of our legislators is severely taxed in order to find a fitting solution of the problem presented. With the increasing strength in population the district is able to secure that measure of recognition for its requiements which the importance of the question undoubtedly merits. A ilose and intimate knowledge of the details of the various matters to be treated is essential on the part of the Ministers most concerned, and the manifest desire of the new Government to become possessed of such knowledge will be thoroughly appreciated by King Country residents generally. As one who is taking an active part in the development of the district Mr C. K. Wilson, member for the electorate, thoroughly realises the disabilities under which the settlement of the King Country has been carried out. As a back block farmer himself he has to undergo the experiences common to King Country settlement, and his efforts towards securing better conditions for the back blocks generally are dictated by knowledge and experience. With the active cooperation of the local authorities and of the individual settler with the member for the district much may be accomplished. It is entirely to the intreests of the people that Ministers should be invited to the district, and should be placed in possession of all possible information in order that proper action shall bo taken by the legislature in dealing with the various problems which exist. Every settler in the district is vitally concerned, and it is the duty of all to work in harmony to achieve the possible results. The dominating factor at the present juncture towards achieving the settlement of the land under reasonable conditions is a proper roadirig system, and much depends upon the policy adopted by the Government in providing t.he necessary facilities. Substantial assistance is required. Settlement has arrived at such a stage that unless the best possible means of transit is provided a serious set-back may ensue. That special circumstances exist which call for special treatment will be amply demonstrated by the various deputations. No effort should be spared in the present instance, and opportunity should be taken in the future of impressing vhe urgent necessity of the district upon the Government. With a back blocks repre-

The ravageß of winter weather make the complexion rough. An antidote for this roughness is found in Mr J. | E. Walker's Face Cream, advertised . in this issue. Mr Graham will be selling on Saturday on account of Messrs Bennefield and Son, of the well-known Aramoho nurseries, trees, flower and ornamental plants. No reserve. Particulars at the mart. A dramatic performance consisting of a children's operetta entitled "Little Red Riding Hood," by the children the pariah, followed by a farce in one act entitled "Ici on Parle Francais," will be given next Tuesday evening in the Town Hall, Taupiri street. The proceeds will be devoted to the St. Luke's Church organ fund. A specially selected cast has been at work rehearsing both performances for some time past, and if is hoped that their efforts will be rewarded on Tiiesday evening by a record house.

Mr P. Mora, clork to the Waitomo County Council, has been a victim to the epidemic cf mumps and has been confined to his bed for the past week. His many friends will be glad to know that he is now well on the road to recovery.

The Te Kuiti racecourse has been under water during the present winter, but the experience does not appear to have had any serious effect upon it. Excellent work has been dono towards clearing the ground and getting the surplus timber ready for burning. Some highly ÜBeful drainage has also been accomplished. The course is in excellent order ana the grass is forming a nice sward all round.

The usual meeting of the Parliamentary Union under tho auspices o£ the Debating Society will be held in the Municipal Chambers to-morrow evening, when the new Ellison Ministry will occupy the Government benches. Keen interest is centred on the position, from the fact that the contending parties in the House are now narrowed down to the Government and Labour parties respectively. The attempt made by the previous Government to pass labour legislation, although it wrecked the party in office, is probably the best thing that could have happened as it led to a coalition under exceptionally strong leadership. To-morrow evening will be devoted„to ' the Governor's Speech and Address-in-Reply. Later in the session some important social measures will be introduced.

The road between Hangatiki and Te Kuiti up the valley, the completion of which is to be urged upon the Minister of Public Works to-day, has long been used for horße traffic. It is not generally known, however, that when Major Lusk was coming to reside in the district he drove a buggy and pa>r through from Hamilto'n right up the valley. The bumps received on route were numerous, but the fact that the journey was possible indicates that little difficulty will be experienced in forming the road, which is through flat country. The General Assembly ot the Presbyterian Church has appointed that special prominence be given to the Maori mission work on one Sunday in July. Next Sunday this will be observed in the local church when Mr G. F. Cox, newly-apointed Home Missionary in Otorohanga will conduct the services morning and evening. Special offerings will be taken in aid of the missions. The Rev. A. Armstrong will conduct a special baptismal services in the church at Otorohanga at 2.30 p.m., and conduct service again at 7 p.m. at the same place. The attention of buyers is drawn to that auction sale of Mrs Dawson's furniture and effects at Wamington'a Buildings, Rora street, to-morrow at 2 p.m. Mr Graham conducts the sale. The goods will be on view between 7 and 8 this evening. Mr Gerald C. Branson, late conductor of the Masterton Savage Club Liedertafel and Amateur Operatic Society, has decided to take up his residence in Te Kuiti, and will follow up his profession as a teacher of singing and elocution. Mr Branson studied under Herr Rudolf Iliinmer, in Melbourne, and has had ten years operatic experience in Australia and New Zealand. During his stay in Masterton he Droduced three operas, viz., "The Pirates of Penzance," "Les Cloches de Corneville," and "Dorothy." The last-named was produced last year, and was said to bo equal to anything ever produced in New Zealand. At the first annual competitions held in Masterton, Mr Branson's pupils were very successful, winning 14 prizesseven firsts, five seconds and two thirds, in the following sections: Baritone solo, bass solo, Irish song, mixed vocal duet, Shakespearian test (ladies), humorous recitation (lady or gent), juvenile recitation and prepared reading. Being a thoroughly competent teacher and conductor, Mr Branson ought to prove a great acquisition to Te Kuiti. Mr Branson will be in attendance at the Municipal Hall, Rora street, from 10 a.m. till 12, and 2 p.m. till 5 p.m. . daily, to enroll pupils.

The executive of the South Canterbury Farmers' Union discussed tho accident insurance of farm employees, the present arrangements being considered unsatisfactory. The delegates to the New Zealand conference were instructed to support the suggestion that the State should make provision, and also to bring up the undesirability of the present law quiring immigrants to possess a, certain amount of rea.ly money ngle men £lO, men with families £ls), aH this must prevent many suitable men coming. The executive is maturing a plan to bring out domestic servants.

Tauranga is sending along the following remit to the New Zealand Acclimatisation Society's Conference to be held in Wellington next month: