OHURA TO ARIA.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 562, 26 April 1913, Page 5

OHURA TO ARIA.

The journey from Ohura through the backblocks towards Te Suiti was continued yesterday morning. An early start was made from Ohura, and the Premier and party proceeded along the Waitewhena Valley. A halt was made at Mr Barnett's and later at Mr Hickman's where the party were kindly entertained. The route along the Paraheka Valley and Kumara road was chosen, and the Prime Minister was much impressed with the country passed through.

Aria was reached at 1 o'clock, and a royal welcome was accorded Mr Massey. Mr P. D, Smyth, msmber of the Waitomo County Council, welcomed the Premier on behalf of the settlers, and Mr Massey responded. An adjournment was then made to Mr Mayne's boarding house, where a sumptuous luncheon was provided. ARIA DEPUTATIONS. At Aria a number of deputations Were received by Mr Massey. The matter of the road from Te Suiti to Aria was referred to by a deputation, of which Mr Petrie was spokesman, and the advisability of putting through a railway was strongly urged. The speaker suggested a connection between the Main Trunk line at or near Te Kuiti and Ohura. Mr P. D. Smyth spoke on roads in general, citing the Aria-Pio Pio road as a most important work. He urged that the subsidy system should be continued, otherwise the backblock men would be in the mud. The speaker asked that the Government should make a erant of £IOO on the Miroa-huiao-Matiere road, between Aria and the Psr.i rmd, and requested that the unexper.d; d portions of ft vote on the Kid Kia road, Kumara road, and Paro road, should be made available, also the 'Mokauiti road towards Tangitu. There were also some unfinished roads which Mr Smyth urged should be completed. Mr R. Keighley, on behalf of the settlers on the Kumara, Paraheka, and Kie Kie roads asked that a subsidy should be granted for the proposed loan.

Mr Massey said he could not deal definitely with the requests right away, but would refer them to >.he Minister for Public Works, and they could be assured this district would get its share. He was greatly impressed with the country he had passed through, and the settlers should have every encouragement. Mr C. J. Riddle referred to the unoccupied lands near Aria. —As to the Crown lands Mr Massey said hi could tell them he would direct the Crown Lands Department to open the sections for selection As to the native land he would have enquiries made and would endeavour to have the land opened. Mr Riddle drew attention to the coal deposits of the district, and requested the Government should help them to open up the coal seams. The speaker also urged that assistance should be given in respect to lime works. Mr Massey in reply said as to the eight miles of metalling he could not give a definite reply. He understood it woul] mean an expenidture of £BOOO, and probably the local body would require to do something. He would represent the matter to his colleagues,and would suggest the settlers should again apply through tha member for the district. As to the railway, the subject was new to him, but he would have a report made on the matter, and would be able to reply defiuately when that information was to hand. He could tell them that Mr Furket, of the Public Works Department, was abroad at present, acquirnig information on the subject of rail-

ways, and when he returned the Government would be in a much better position to deal with the question. At the conclusion of the deputations, Mr Wilson, member for the district, returned thanks for the manner in which the deputations had been re