MAIHIIHI.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 589, 30 July 1913, Page 7

MAIHIIHI.

Own Correspond mt.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Maihiihi Settlers' Association wa3 held on Tuesday night. It was decided to once again approach the Education Board to have the a moo) shifted from Mangaoronga to Maihiihi as three-quarters of the children who attend come from Maihiihi. and some of thi m have to walk as far as live miles. The secrptary was also instructed to write to the member for the districtin reference to the two small bridges over the uppar Maihiihi and Mangaoronga streams. Within six weeks tne cream carting will be in full swing, and the approaches to the rivers are almost impassable. These bridges were supposed to have been built nine months ago. The first serious fire which has occurred in Maihiihi took place on the 6th, when the four roomed house owned and occupied by Mr R. J. Evans was totally dpstroyed. How the fire originated is a mystery, for Mr Ev3iis had only left ten minutes before, and was busy in an outhouse when he smelt the burning building and came out to find the house practically TIi-- was unable to save anything. Much sympathy is expressed for Mr Evans at his loss, for, although the building was insured it was not sufficient to cover the loss, besides losing all his furniture and effects.

It is pleasing to see the Government intends to do something with the native and Crown lands on the east of Maihiihi which comprises some of the finest land in the King Country. The Government surveyor Mr Wilson, and his staff are now camped on the land and are vigorously pushing the roads through the block. lam certain when this land is put up for ballot the competition will be very keen. Great credii is due to Mr Young for his efforts to have this past piece of land thrown open for closer settlement. During the month most of Ike dairy factory managers have been holding meetings in the settlement, inducing Te Ku'iti, Waikato, New Zealand Dairy Association. The output of butter fat from Maihiihi and Rangiatea districts this year promises to be enormous, and makes one wonder why a co-operative factory is not started in here.

It is pleaiing to relate the Public Works Department have at last finished the Mangaoronga bridge No.l, just in the nick of time, for the last waggon which attempted to do the ford is still lying there. The carting on thase roads has been very heavy for the last four months, and has every prospect cf continuing. The roads are keeping well, except a couple _ot swamps the settlers have been asking the department to do for the last twelve months. No doubt they will be done when a coroner or jury add the recommendations to their verdict.

I am verv sorry to have to relate the first death in the settlement, which took place on the 19th inst., in the person of Mr J. Armstrong. Up to that date Mr Armstrong had bean in his usual health, and his sudden death cast a gloom over the whole district. Mr Armstrong will be greatly missed, for he always took a leading part in anything for the good of the district. Much sympathy is expressed with Mrs Armstrong, who has been left with four young children, and it is hoped the proper authorities, will attend to her case without any delay. In the meantime the settlers are doing their best to comfort her.