MAROKOPA.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 529, 28 December 1912, Page 5

MAROKOPA.

Own Correspondent,

Shearing is now well advanced in the district, and with few exceptions the work is now almoßt completed. The fleeces on the whole are of a high order, although in some instances clotted wool was fairly prevalent. A successful Leap Year dance was held in the Pubilc Hall on December 13th. There was a good gathering of the fair sex, who willingly bestowed their favours on their gentlemen friends. Whether any proposals took place or were accepted or silk dresses to be bought it hag not yet been ascertained, but time will tell. The arangements 'for the function were most complete, and the ladies are highly deserving of great credit for their painstaking efforts. The committee and the secretary (Miss Olive Willison) are to be congratulated for the great success achieved.

The annual school picnic took place on Friday of last week. There was a large gathering of settlers and a number of natives, and a very pleasant day was spent. At the conclusion hearty cheers were given for Mrs McGrath for the way in which she had promoted such a successful function. In the evening the presentation of prizes took place over which Mr E. C. Stanley presided. Achildren's concert was also given, and comprised songs, part songs and recitations. Master Percy Klein was presented with a gold medal, the gift of Mr Honors, for the best attendane for the year. He also received a further prize as dux of the school. Master Freddie McGrath was successful in winning the elocution competition. T. Hurimoana being second. After the concert a dance was held, which was kept up until the early hours of the morning.

Mr A. S Gresham, of Te Kuiti is paying a busines visit to the district early in the New Year, It is the intention of a large number, especially ladies, to avail themselves of the opportunity of having their dental needs attended to.

A large number o f people from this district propose visiting the Kawhia regatta. The event is now being well established as an annual holiday event.

Mr E. C. Stanley, who has filled the post of postmaster for some considerable time, recently resigned that position. Mrs R. Barlow, who has had previous experience in the office, has been appointed to fill the vacancy.

Dairying in the district continues to flourish, and a very large increase in output of butter is taking place this season. There are now 45 sunpliers, which is an increase of IS over last season.

The Marokopa shipping syndicate's ketch Dawn, recently left for Onehunga on a special wool trip. She is due Dack any day with a full cargo. The vessel is proving itself up to anticipations, and the syndicate are very well pleased so far with their venture.

The settlers in the Kinohaku district held a very successful picnic on Thursday of last week. The weather unfortunately was showery, but nevertheless a most enjoyable day was spent. A dance was held in the evening and was a verv pleasant function. A general meeting of the Marokopa Axemen's and Sports Club was held last Saturday afternoon, Mr E. C. Stanley (president) in the chair. Several matters in connection with the recent sports were discussed. A decision as regards some disputes in connection with the last meeting was received from the Athletic Union and gave general satisfaction. The secretary and treasurer (Mr Honore) presented a balance-sheet, which showed a credit balance of £lO 6s 7d. It was decided to open an account in the Bankof New Zealand, Kawhia, in the joint names of the president and secretary.

The question of the dispoasl of fat lambs and stock generally in the district is one that has perplexed settlers sorely for a considerable time. It is understood, however, that Mr W. F. Dines has been successful in arranging with Messrs A. S. Patterson and Co., of Auckland, to buy the Stockton the "hooks" in Auckland. This pian will enable the farmer with the small lot to be able to secure the current market value. The stock will be taken to Lemon Point from where they will be taken to Onehunga by the Northern Company's steamers. Mr Dines states that a large numberof settlers inten/1 sending stock forward, and that a large number have already booked. A consignment of fat lambs, the first from the district, will be shipped in a couple of weeks' time.

The new mail contractor (Mr R. L. Hally) will commence his duties with the through-service from Marokopa to Te Kuiti on the first Wednesday in the New Year. During the summer months the mail will leave Marokopa at 5 p.m. on Wednesday proceeding to Moeatoa that night and arriving in Te Kuiti the following afternoon at 3.30 o'clock. The mail ia to leave Te Kuiti at 8 a.m. on Friday arriving at Marokopa at 9.30 a.rn, on Saturday. The new service will be an advantage to this end of the district inasmuch as three days will be gained in replying to correspondence. A new mail service is to be started at the beginniing of the year. Mr Horace Haylock, contractor, from Waitomo Caves to Awamarino. A move is on foot to have the service extended to Marokopa.

A large number of visitors of various classes of business have in the district lately, and all have been surprised at the magnificent class of land to be found. They all expressed the opinion that if more business people, especially those on the Main Trunk, made themselves acquainted