The Progress of Kawhia.

Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 310, 3 May 1907, Page 2

The Progress of Kawhia.

[Waikato Times.] The residents of Kawhia have an optimism wonderful to behold, in all that pertains to the future of the town and harbour. At Te Raa a-moa and Kawhia the Minister of Linds was approached on|tbe subject of constructing a railway from the main trunk railway to the Kawhiaharbour. Some advocate that the line should tap the arterial line at Kawa, 22 miles from the hirbour. The residents anticipate that were such h line made a great deal of trade would be established between the coast and the Waikato.. They point out the natural advantages of their harbour for the commodious and safe berthage of ships, anything drawing not more than 20ft being able to negotiate the bar. The timber trade

if properly developed, they say, would form a valuable asset. There seems, however, against; these arguments the fact that the business centres of the Waikato are not more than 80 to 100 milies from Auckland, which will always maintain its position as a large shipping port, whilst a railway journey of tho Bime distance would bo entailed via Kawhia, without the many advantages arismg from doing business in alargeand established centre. Perhaps in the future, when settlement is more general throughout the King Country it may be necessary to run a line as now proposed. That there s plenty of scope for profitable., and prosperous settlement is shown in the fact that half a century ago the Maoris by dint of hand labour only, grew wheat crops which became the synonym for excellence throughout the colonies, large shipments beiag- sent over to Sydney. It is mentioned with pardon • able pride by the inhabitant? that at that time as many as 27 brigs and schooners assembled in the harbour together. Now, however, owing to various causes the land has been suffered to revert back to much its original condition, and only in one or two isolated spots can there be seen any attempt at cultivation. One of the most successful isa Maori by name of Te Paha, to whom the Pakehas are in the habit of sending their sheep and cattle for service. The residents are not at all wedded to any particular terminus for the railway, which they say can be anywhere (h 6 Government desires. However, the hopes of the Kawhia district have been dashed to the ground at any rate for a time, because Mr M*Nab gave them plainly to understand that no more works will be undertaken until those at present under way are completed.