OHURA VALLEY.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 625, 6 December 1913, Page 4

OHURA VALLEY.

Own Correspondent. STOCK SALE. The Matiere sale, held on December 2nd, was notable for the large yarding of yearlings, while, strange to say, the demand for this class of stock was not great. Prices ranged from £2 10b to £3 10s. A pen of forward three year bullocks realsed £6 ss. A large percentage of the yarding owing to the dull bidding passed into the hands of the auctioneers, who no doubt will be able to sell them to advantage in the Waikato. Rumour whispers that there iB some talk of a movement to form a company for the purpose of erecting public Baleyards, the lack of regular sales being keenly felt. A very suitable site could be procured at Niho Niho which is the natural centre of the district. COUNTY COUNCIL. The Ohura County Council have made an early start in participating railway affairs by emphatically objecting to certain clauses in the Railway Amendment Bill which state that the onus of responsibility for the cost of appliances is to be borne by the local authorities. The Council alsu/„voiced its ODinion in favour of the reomrnendation by the Te Kuiti Chamber o£ Commerce for co-operative actum on the part of backblocks counties, in the matter of suggesting to the Minister the advisability of the Government taking over the control of arterial roads. Tenders have now closed for the rfaus papa contracts, and if the work is not hampered bythe weather theWaikaka road should be metalled before the winter. The overseer advised the appointment of a ranger who, in addition to his ordinary duties, would act as dogtax collector and chainman to the engineer—truly a heterogeneous billet. This appointment, at any rate, will be welcomed by many farmers whone frontages have suffered in the past from the depredations of the long paddock wanderers. CRICKET CLUB. The Ohura Cricket Club have introduced a novel idea by way of allowing handicaps to the batsmen in order to creato keener competition for the prize allotted for the highest average —each player being required to compete in not less than five innings to qualify. OHURA SHOW. The Ohura Show Committee have decided to carry out all necessary work in connection with the preparation of the ground by meaiiß of voluntary labour. The steward* for the various events have been selected, and the committee are sanguine of making January 29th a red-letter day in the Ohura. CHURCH MATTERS. The fact that the Methodist Church is the only place to worship in ohura aq far is a tribute to the zealous spirit displayed by the memberß of that denomination, who have made earnest endeavours to place church matters on a Bound footing. In their work they are being ably seconded by their Presbyterian friends who have also decided to erect a building, while thp Anglicans are deeply considering the question of building. GENERAL. Present indications are not likely to persuade us to place much faith in thn Maori prediction of a drought this flummre. It seems that this prophecy is based on the fact that the cabbage trees are now in full bloom. The weather diring the past week has been bo stormy that we may almost state that "in reality the heavens have been blazing forth the dirge of the strike." I notice that the Estimates include a grant of £IOOO for a new bridge at Niho Niho —a most deserving case. The engine to be used for the brick works at the 14-mile ha arrived at Okahukura and shortly the works will be in full swing. The Ohura people will shortly have one of the grievances remedied and this a vital one in the interests of health. The contractor for the surface drainage has now commenced operations; and none too soon has this matter been attended to, for sanitaton in a growing town should be one of 'the rfist considerations of the local authorities. A deputation of committeemen waited upon the school jnpßector to urge that the Niho Niho school be made full time, and also, as the accommodation iB inadequate, they recommended the enlargement of the building. The inspector wbs quite aware of the necessity for both improvements, and intimated that he would place both matters before the board at the next meeting. The Ohura Riflo Club has been conducting some very successful matches lately. This club comprises some exceptionally good] "shots," and a few years back had the honour of being the champion Rifle Club in New Zealand. Mr LuttrelJ, of the Union Bank of Australia, has taken his from Ohura, having been promoted to Whakatane. He was entertained at a banquet prior to his departure ani made the recipient of a handsome present Mr Luttrell was a keen sporting enthusiasts, and will be greatly missed in this circle.