The Moerangi Block.

Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 325, 9 August 1907, Page 2

The Moerangi Block.

huge blocks of Native land in vicinity of Baglan and Kawhia have so long been regarded as so much territory locked up against settlement for all time, that the possibility of a large area being released for such a purpose is almost incredible; but wa are assured that, as a result of the proceedings of the Native Land Board, which has been in session here daring the past two or three weeks, the apportionment of the various interests in that important block known as Moerangi, comprising some 45,000 acres, has been so far facilitated, that its being opened for settlement in the near future is likely to become an actual fact. It is therfore opportune to make some reference to the part that Moerangi may play in tbe advancemem; of tbe Raglan and Kawhia disiriote. The construction of a main road through the centre of the block from Oparau to Waitetuna would bring Kawhia within easy distance—probably not more than 80 miles—of the railway and this route would also undoubtedly commend itselt when that railway connection with tbe Waikato line which the Kawhia peope are so anxious to obtain is seriously contemplated. Looking at the map, we find that the distance between Kawhia and Frankton Junction, via Waitetuna, would be much less than via Pirongia, Te Bau-a>moa and Te Awamutu. whither the present Kawhia outlet Lies; aud the advantages of connection with an important station like Frankton, at which the existing lines of railway all have their junction, instead of with an out-of-the-way place like Te Awamutu, are so obvious as to need no comment, The nature of the country which this road would traverse is of a particularly easy character, and offers no engineering difficulties whatever; and it would oped ’ip a block of good land, mostly of limestone formation which when the road was once constructed, would readily be taken up at from 80s to £2 an acre. Tbe land adjacent to the suggested road is no doubt the portion of the block for Whiih the Goverdment would be prepared to pay the highest priup, while at tbe same time‘ it is the piece that the Native owqers would be most likely prepared to part wi h, as it would leave the Wbatawhata Maoris in undisputed possession on the Pirongia side, and tbe Aotea Maoris on the harbour, where numbers are living and even now making farms. The subject we have broached is one which is worthy of earnest consideration in view of the possibility of the Government acquiring part of the block for settlement purposes, and we hope to see the people of Kawhia bestirring themselves in it, in the vigorous manner they invariably display when any prospect of furthering their interests presents itself. —Raglan Chronicle.