MAIHI-IHI.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 501, 18 September 1912, Page 3

MAIHI-IHI.

Own Correspondent

The No. 2 Improved ' Farm settlement is still on the move. Settlers are very busy erecting cow sheds and getting their sections in shape to receive th« cows the Government has at last promised them. It is now twelve months since the settlers first approached the Government for assistance in this direction, and we are certain if it had not been for the energy of Messrs Wilson and Young, members for the district, the settlers would have still been waiting. Eight months ago Mr Skeet, Commissioner of Crown Lands, was instructed by the then Minister of Lands to visit the settlement. He assured the settlers that the movement had his support, and he would recommend the Minister to supply thta cows. Whatever was done with his recomendation nobody seems to know. Mr Masaey says he is still waiting for a report from, his responsible officials. Very few people seem to realise what good the granting these cattle means to the 'struggling settler, and in the country in general. I maintain it is the best money ever put on the Estimates in this Dominion, and under the conditions, the best asset any Government has ever held. We are looking forward to see the Crown lands ranger every day. Up tu the last few days we have enjoyed splendid weather and everything points to an early spring. The grass is coming away splendidly and is so forward that probably half the hay stacks will not be used. Although we have had plenty of wet weather this winter I am pleased to say our main road has the name of being one of the best in the district, but must say this is mainly due to the forethought of our road engineer, who only allowed the grader to be used in fine weather. On September (sth the settlers of Rangiatea and Maihi-ihi gave a return ball to the bachelors, . and in spite of the bad weather it was a great success, but the rain stopped thu majority of visitors from Otorohanga and surrounding districts from attending. Apologies were received from Mr Greenslade, our late member for the district, also from Mr Young and Mr Wilson, M.P's., which were received with regret. During the evening songs were rendered by Misses Hoskins, Armstrong, Mrs Disher, also Messrs Chiles, Remi and Lowe, and a recitation was given in fine style by Mr Nicholas Sircombe. After the supper adjournment Mr Abrecrombie thanked the settlers on behalf of the bachelors, for the appreciation shown to them. Mr J. Armstrong replied on behalf of the settlers. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr P. Corboy, who was in his usual place at the piano; also Mr Lowe, who capably filled the position of M.C. The success of the ball was due to the excellent Work of the committee, which consisted of Messrs J. Armstrong '(chairman), G. E. Chiles, B. Hoskins, J. Prendergaat, R. Disher, H. Lowe and S. D. Chiles, hon. sec. Dancing was kept up till daybreak, and the function Was voted on all hands one of the most successful ever held in the district,