MAROKOPA.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 538, 1 February 1913, Page 5

MAROKOPA.

I Own Correspondent, During the past week the weather has been fine and dry and a large number of settlers, have availed themselves of the opportunity of burning their bush. Reports from various sources state that ths fires have made a clean sweep and good results have been obtained. At the time of writing, however, a sudden storm broke ever the district, the warning being given by a loud peal of thunder. Heavy rain, accompanied by a gale of Wind, followed, and f-om present indications there is every likelihood of the element continuing in a disturbed state for some time.

By the last trip of the ketch Dawn, Messrs Forbes Bros.' milking to the district for installation at their farm at Awamarino in order to be in readiness for next season. Mr J. Forbes states that they intend milking eighty cows next season. Milking machines are being talked of by several other settlers and it is anticipated that at least two or three more machines will be put in place for next season's operations. A considerable amount of wool still avaits shipment from the port, and settlers are beginning to get anxious. This is due to the long spell of bad weather at the beginning of the year. The Marokopa shipping syndicate has decided to install another 20 h.p. Standard engine in the auxiliary ketch Dawn, making the total propelling power 36 h.p. This step has been deemed advisable on account of the nasty nature of the Marrokopa bar, which often detains the ship owing to not sufficient power when there is a choppy sea and a strong tide running. The expectancy of an election in connection with councillors for the Awakino County at an early date is already causing a slight stir among settlers, who are now beginning to hold meetings and don their considering caps as to whom would be the most suitable and fit to represent their interests when that august "body will be required to act. Already Mr John Wouldes has announced himself as a candidate for the Northern riding, and has already held a couple of meetings expounding his views and ideas. The first meeting was held at. Marokopa on Saturday night, Mr P. W. Bell presiding. when a sympathetic hearing was accorded the candidate, who declared that the improvement ot roads and bridges would be his chief aim and ambition.

The imporance of the completion of the Te Kuiti telephone line from this district, between Moeatoa and Man gaohae is being felt more and more daily. The fine weather is slipping by, and if something is not done immediately it will mean waiting until next year. Settlors themselves have been untiring in their representations, bat so far have met with very little success other than promises, and the meeting of an occasional officer who comes to report. I venture to state that if the Te Kuiti Chamber of Commerce took a littl£ more active interest in the assisting of settlers in having such projects carried out, that they would be rendering their town and district a genuine and lasting benefit. Of course, backbiockers are generally aware that the Chamber ha been sdoing its best as regards the freehofting of native lands, especialyl town sections, but the verv lengthy period which will be required for the getting of such machinery into force, should allow them at least a little time for thought and consideration as regards in what way they could assist the back settlers for it must be that the future of Te Kuiti which is regarded as a natural centre depends. The freeholding of native titles, the procuring of works beneficial to the town and the up-to-date facilities required for the welfare of the town are all very well and desirable in their way, but the pioneer of the back country should all claim a vigilant eye for, after all, it is from that source that the commerce oZ the town in the future will depend. Telephone communication from a town into a country district is always regarded as the forerunner of the establishing of business relations and the induce ments of having communication with such a large and well settled area of country which this line runs through, should certainly make Te Kuitiana bestir themselves and become better acquainted with back country conditions. Mr R. C. Honore, who has been teacher here for the past four years, has been appointed to the Te Rau-a-Moa shcool. His place is to be taken by Mr M. G. Dunn. Since hia arrival here Mr Honore has taken an active and keen interest in various classes of sports, and has almost in every instance, acted as secretary. Genera regret is being expressed at Mr Honore's departure, and 1 am certain settlerß will join with me in wishing bim every prosperity and success m the future. . Mr E. C. Stanley, it is rumoured, is a certain candidate for the position of ceunillor for the Northern riding of the Awakino County, when the election takes place. . As the result of bush fires in the vicinity, Messrs Reid and Loundy, settlers .in this district, had their house burned down on Monday. Both were absent at the time and were unaware of the until they returned home that evening to find house and contents in ashes. The Kinohaku Tennis Club opened their new court on Thursday of last week. There was a good attendance of visitors and members, and a enjoyable afternoon was spent. For those not playing tennis other sports and pastimes were held. In the evening a ball was held in the public hall. The whole proceedings reflected much credit on the popular secretary, Miss Parker.