King Country Chronicle WEDNESDAY, AUG. 28, 1912 LIGHT RAILWAYS OR ROADS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 495, 28 August 1912, Page 4

King Country Chronicle WEDNESDAY, AUG. 28, 1912 LIGHT RAILWAYS OR ROADS.

« The Minister for Public Works affirmed a highly important principle the other day when he averred his bolicf in branch railways as feeedcrs to the main lines. Not that anything new or momentous attaches to the bald statement that branch lines should bo constructed. Mr Fraßor, without definitely committing himself, Baid he was of opinion that light lincß could be constructed to act a3 feeders at a much smaller cost than the ordinary lines. He furthermore proclaimed his intention of making full inquiry concerning the matter, with a view to discovering whether the principle bo ardently advocated by the Hon. Thomas Mackenzie was worth pursuing. From the general trend of the Minister's remarks it appeared as though he had a leaning towards the light railway, and would have to be convinced of its impracticability before discarding the idea altogether. Without going deeply into the matter it appears as if the class of country through which the line would have to be constructed is the most important factor in the case. If heavy formation work is necessary to prepare the way for laying the rails it would appear to bo only common sense to construct a line which would carry the heaviest loads. In no district would a line be constructed unless the Minister was assured of its necessity, and of the fact Shat such line would be a permanent institution, and one which would carry a constantly increasing amount of traffic. However, the Minister is to be commended for the open-minded manner in which he evidenttly regards the proposition. This district is considerably interested inasmuch as branch railways are already being advocated as the only satisfactory method of handling the great volume of traffic of our back country. If, as a result of the Government's investigations, light railways are held to be desirable, there is little doubt of the local agitation being successful. If, on the other hand, the system is deemed to be impracticable the whole district will require to unite in advocating an improved method of roading. Up to the present the road making in the district has been of the most elementary character. The metalling projects are numerous, and during the next year or two considerable progress should be made towards providing permanent highways. The degree of permanency which it is possible to obtain under present conditions is not great, and there can bo no doubt that the metal at present being laid on the roads which are subject to most traffic is only forming the foundation for the roads of the future. Undoubtedly the most immediate necessity of the district is the metalling of the roads already formed, and settlers are evincing a keen desire to rate themselves, and raise money for tho purpose. Unfortunately the state of the money market at the present time is cramping tho activities of tho settlers, and the progress of the district will be retarded in consequence. However the indication that their responsibilities in respect to roads are being elevated to tho position of lirnl; importance by tho settlors is significant, and there is little doubt that rae Government will make ample provision for meeting tho requirements of new districts in respect to loans. No effort should be spared, or opportunity lost, of emphasising tho urgent requirements of the district in this respect.

Mr Graham hag a preliminary notice of the sale of Mr Quirk's furniture an effects on Saturday, September 7th. Aa Mr Quirk is leaving the district every line must be sold. Full particulars in Saturday's issue.

The freehold ia on the market at laat. In to-day'a issue Messrß McDonald and Cochrane in conjunction with Mr J. R. Graham, announce the sale by auction of the sub divisions of the McCardle homestead. Particulars to follow.

A distressing accident occurred near Taumarunui on Saturday, afternoon, resulting in the deatli of a settler named David Syme Halliburton, aged 43 years. Deceased recently acquired a section about three miles from To Maire and 12 miles down the Wanganui river from Taumarunui. He and a man named Middle were cutting a honeysuckle tree down, and left it partly cut. They were working on a hinau tree, when they honeysuckle caino down, kililng Halliburton instantaneously. The body was brought to Taumarunui by steamer on Sunday afternoon, and a coroner's inquiry was held on Monday morning resulting in a verdict of "Accidentally killed; no blame attachable to anyone." Sing a song of beastly "flu,'' A cough, a cold, a sigh; Sneezing, wheezing all the day, Great salt tears in the eye. But they gave me Peppermint A perfect drug I'm sure; Now I always take for "flu"— Woods' Great Peppermint Cure.

A social evening in connection with the Methodist Church will be held in the Municipal Hall next Friday evening. A thoroughly enjoyable evening should be spent.

On Saturday Mr J. R. Graham will sell at his mart all the balance of a large consignment of drapery from a T Wellington warehouse.

Messrs Pattison and Lockington will inaugurate a genuine clearing sale starting next Tuesday, September 3rd. The prices of all furnishing will be marked down to bedrock, and Auckland prices will apply during the sale. Customers from all stations on the line between Te Awamutu and Owhanga purchasing £lO worth and upwards of furnishing will have their fare paid and goods forwarded freight free* up to £5 worth half fare and half'freight. Watch for circular inserted in next issue of Chronicle for further particulars. Te Kuiti and surrounding district customers will be allowed 20 per cent, discount.*

Mr Dodge, the newly appointed borough engineer for Te Kuiti, expects to leave Wellington for Te Kuiti on September 6th, and will take up his duties immediately on his arrival. The water supply for Te Kuiti is causing the Borough Council some concern. The dam is not yet constructed, and in order to weather a dry summer it is conceded that the dam is a necessity. The houses now being erected in the borough are not providing for tank supplies, and unless the dam is constructed in time to provide against a dry summer there is every likelihood that a water famine will be experienced. The Prime Minister received a deputation from the Wellington Proportional Representation League on Monday. One speaker suggested that the experiment should be tried in local body elections, that a bill of a permissive and not of a mandatory character should be passed. Mr Massey said the suggestion appealed strongly to him. He would have very great pleasure in placing itbefure Cabinet. On the general question he hoped the deputation would have good results.

The matter of recreation grounds in the various townships of the King Country has been a question of considerable concern to most of those residing in the various districts. However it is interesting to know Hhat the Prime Minister is a believer in the fact that, however small a township is, it should have provision made for future development. Mr Massey, in a letter to Mr Honore, of Marokopa, expressed his desire to assist any such movement, and would assist as far as possible the residents of Marokopa in having na area set aside for future requirements. A public meeting in connection with the matter is to be held at Marokopa at an early date, A reminder is given of the Kuiti College entertainment, which will be given to-night. An excellent programme has been arranged, and there is little doubt that the general public ■will attend in large numbers to witness the display given by the children. Much interest is being aroused at the prospect of seeing the sweet little play, "Cinderella," rendered in a totally new and attractive manner. The boxer "Kid" McCoy, who was charged with stealing £12,000 worth of jewels belonging to the Princess of Thum and Taxis from the Palace Hotel, Ostend, has been discharged from custody.

Owners of stud horses are notified by special advertisement that we are now i pr e P ared t0 reueive the season ' 3 announcements. Special quotations will be given to those requiring stud advertisements.

By last mail Mr E. C. Stanley, _of Marokopa, received a communication from Mr C K. Wilson, M.P.. to the effect that the matter of the wharf and shed at Marokopa would be dealt with bv the Minister for Marine (Hon. P. M. B. Fisher) at an early date.

Lambing throughout the various districts in the King Country is now in full swing. Flock masters aver ♦" that wtih a continuation of the present fine weather excellent percentages will be had. In the Marokopa district, owing to the mildness of the climate, the lambs are looking exceedingly well, and are a good healthy and active lot. There is everv prospect of the roads in the King Country being good this year. The present spell of fine weather is drying them up marvellously, and with the exception of occasional patches, they are now in very good order. An alarm of fire at Te Kuiti is such an unusual occurrence that when the firebell tolled on Tuesday the people were quickly in the streets. Fortunately the alarm proved to be unnecessary as the fire, which occurred in Mr A S. Greshams dentistry rooms, was of small moment. A leaky kerosene heater had set fire to a few rags but the outbreak was quickly smothered. A neighbour had rung up the fire station and the brigade was quickly on the scene with hoae and reel, but their services were not required. No damage was sustained. The quickness with which the brigade appeared was the subject of general comment. The Rev. R. B. Gosnell, of Te Kuiti, who has not been in the best of health of late, has been ordered away for a change by his medical adviser. Mr Gosnell will be away for some weeks but during his absence the church services will be carried on as usual. Ihe many friends of Mr Gosnell will unite in wishing him a speedy recovery. Dr Mjoberg, leader of last year's Swedish scientific expedition to Northwest Australia has returned to continue his researches in Queensland and New Guinea He declares that the Australian aborigines are descendants of a tribe from India, and inthem are tpyical ancestors of the human race. Two Guineas for four lines of poetry! Read Tonking's Linseed Emulsion intimation every Saturday amongst news items.*

The Waikato Musical and Elocutionary Society give notice by advertisement appearing in this issue, thatentries for the contests in the Spring Song Carnival, to be held in Hamilton from Sepember 23rd to 26th, will close with the secretary on August 31st.

A sensational incident occurred on the steamer Maldance which was deporting 100 Portuguese Royalists to Africa. On nearing Madeira about midnight the Royalists rose, seized some arms, and made the officers and crew prisonejs. The Royalists intended to sail for South America, but the cruiser Beria, noticing that something was amiss, sent a party of bluejackets aboard the steamer. The Royalists were then mastered.

We draw the attention of our readers to the advertisement of Messrs Valder, de Montalk and Co., Hamilton, in to-day's issue. This firm specialises in dairy machinery and supplies, and is agent for the famous "Perfect" separators and dairy machinery. These separators are used by the Thames Valley, Cambridge, and Eureka dairy companies, and a laige number are being installed this season by factories and dairy farmers. The dairy department is under the control of Mr A. R. Valder, late manager of the Waikato Co-operative Dairying Company, Hamilton, and he has had a large experience in dairy machinery, etc. Anyone requiring dairy machinery or supplies would do well to communicate with this firm. They are also agents for oil enginies, etc., suitable for driving dairy machinery of all descriptions.

We have made special arrangements for the publication of a new serial story commencing in to-day's issue entitled "The Doctor's Protegee," and written by that widely-known author Albert Lee. The story is an intensely interesting one, and should appeal to all readers of newspaper serials. Don't miss the first instalment—Wednesday next.