An Interesting Letter.

Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 211, 2 June 1905, Page 2

An Interesting Letter.

Under date of May 21et, a wellknown Palmerston North resident (Captain Gardner), writing to Mr W A. Go-ling, of Kawhia, gives his impressions of the country from K t wbia (which he visited via Waitara through Oparau and Pirongia to the Waikato. The following portions wil be of interest to our readers : Speaking of the Harbour the writei says that he found it all that the nau tical charts show it to be, and they do not lie. One of the finest and safest harbours on the whole of the West Coast, from the North Cape to Wet lington—a magnificent sheet of smooth water, surrounded by land of historic interest and of such fertility that when cultivated will produce good pastures and crops of roots, rape, etc , suitable Cor fattening cattle and sheep. Excellent coal is found in a mine now being developed on the water’s edge, and sawmilling is also being established ; but with all the natural advantages which Kawhia possesses it presents an interesting but neglected appearance, • owing probably to the native lands, and the want of the introduction of a class of farmers with capital. Captain Gardner believes that the freehold and large holdings (which the present Government discourages) would in a few years convert the whole country to a condition of prosperity which is enjoyed by the towns in the southern part of the island, the pioneers of which are now, in the case of large holdings, sub-divid-ing the properties to their own advantage and also to the benefit of the community. Captain Fletcher has travelled the country between Wellington and Waitara (at his own expense) interviewing the settlers in regard to freehold versus leasehold, and taking note of the spread of the various noxious weeds, and from what he has gleaned considers that the leaseholder will be in the hast position to abandon bis bolding when misfortune overtakes him—the settler who has expended the least time and money upon his property. It would, therefore, be in the best interests of the colony to let settlers have the freehold on easy terms. The writer says he sees in the eradication of noxious weeds a big and costly problem for the colony to face, and it will be the means of reducing wages to all classes, as the expenditure in connection with this matter must necessarily curtail the spending power of the farmers in other directions. Leaving Kawhia on the 19ih, with some regret at being unable to remain for a longer period, the writer journeyed to the Oparau Ferry by oil launch, where the mail vehicle starts from, and upon noting the general appearance of the horses and outfit experienced no surprise upon learning that the skillful driver was known as the “ bo’sun,” owing, no doubt, to the manner in which he steered his craft through the sea of mud, and occasionally lifted one of the leaders' legs “ over the bar.” Captain Gardner ex presses surprise that the road, originally well laid off and of a fairly good grade considering the elevation which it reaches (2000 ft. in 12 miles), should not have been metalled when formed ; the mails will have to be packed shortly owing to this neglect. Estimating the cost of metallirjg at £6OOO, if completed to Pirongia, this would be greater economy than spending £6OO per annum in repairs and reforming in order to keep it open only a portion of the year. From a scenic point of view the journey to Te Rau-a-moa would amply repay anyone fond of mountainous and bush-clad country, and the novelty of seeing the dairy factory amidst the logs at that township, which has been receiving 300 gallons daily, would surprise any practical farmer, as would the language of the people who used it so ° painful and free ” when speaking of the Government. There the only bit of colour to enliven the scene was the ox eye daisy and the bright yellow of the flourishing ragwort introduced, I was told by a settler, ‘.by the Government. How noxious! From Te Rau-a-moa to Pirongia the road is chiefly through an undulating country of fern and ti-tree scrub, well watered. Being open and tree of timber a very extensive view can be obtained, but the fact of having to use five horses to do thia sixteen miles with a light station buggy and two passengers will explain the heavy condition of the road, on account of the light chocolate soil permitting tbe wheels to sink below the surface. Fortunate at Pirongia in meeting with a resident of 40 years’ standing, Captain Gardner was informed that land within a few miles was open for selection at 121 61 per acre, but the Country was useless for any but the larger class of farmers with capital. The same expressions of indignation at the Government and local authorities were heard here as at the other settlements.