MAROKOPA.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 551, 19 March 1913, Page 6

MAROKOPA.

Own Correspondent. The first election of councillors for the North Riding of Awakino County has come and gone, Messrs James Pat terson and H. H. Thorns being the succespful candidates. An analysis of the voting at the various booths has two indications. At Moeatoa the settlers who voted there were for the most part those resident along the road through Kiritehere to Mangaohae, and the block vote recorded for Messrs Patterson and Thorns went to show that there is no uncertain feeling about the absolute necessity for the completion of the road from Kiritehere to Mangaohae via Mangakakopu and Pomerangi roads, in order that vehicular traffic may be had with the Main Trunk line. A further significance of the vote is that metalled roads are wanted, Cr Patterson has been known for some considerable time to be an advocate of the metalling of roads. In conversation recently he informed me that one of his first steps would be to urge the completion of the bridle trackß along the roads en route to the Main Trunk to be followed by his asking the settlers to consent to a special loan for metalling purposes. There is but little doubt that he will be backed up consistently by Cr Thorns, as well as every settler in the district affected. The question is one which will be dealt with by both councillors and ratepayers at the first available opportunity. The first step that is now necessary to be taken is for both Crs Patterson and Thorns to commence a persistent agitatoin with the reßt of the ratpayers to have the Government complete the roads on this important route. The completion of the widening of the Mangapohue road as well as the Kawhia-Mahoenui road is also sure to claim their attention. Whilst the councillors can do a considsrable amount for the district, it is necessary that at the same time they should have the whole-hearted support of the ratepayers. The county is now embarking on a policy which is to affect its future, and it would be well from the beginnig to avoid all possible differences as regards various claims, and councillors and ratepayers should join hand in hand, and give a long, strong pull for the common weal of all and sundry. By doing so they will be acting not only to the district's benefit, but to the county at large. This is not intended by way of a sermon, but there is an old adage "that a stitch in time saves nine." Mrs P. C. Rose has been appointed postmistress in place of Mrs Barlow, resigned. The weather is very broken at present, and there is very little likeli hood of those who have not burnt their bush yet getting a fire through this season. Dairying continues to be well to the front, and a substantial supply is still being maintained to the local factory.