Oparau.

Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 351, 28 February 1908, Page 2

Oparau.

(from our own correspondent So far no loan money has come out way. What ia the trouble. Is tl • county procedure to blame or ia there some other cause? Several Government bands are forming the Oparau road. We would not commit ourselves ae to who was responsible for the unsatisfactory state of onr roads. Now if the Government complete** the formation we shall at least expect to see the county set a atone breaker and complete the job. The blackened remains of what was

the finest pasture to be seen around these parte shows the must careleaa observer how the settlers have been rained by tbe big fire of Oparaa. We meat have help or have rained farms. The Premier has been asked to help and has promptly responded. Mr Jas, Mackenzie, Commissioner Crown Lwda, Auckland, met tbe settlers on Wednesday and explained to a large gatberios that hia department of the Government was instructed to (five those who coaid not help themselves, grass seed free of interest on its value for 4 years, bat that be had go instructions re reerection of fences or extending free money for any other purpose but resowing. Mr Mackenzie said the present trouble as all knew was only temporary and that the benefit from the fires exceeded any damage to pastore. A vote of thanks terminated the meeting. The settlers showed gratitude to Mr Mackenzie and the Government in a nnauimous clapping of hands. AH are tboroaghly satisfied that the Government and the AnckIsnd Land Board have seen the argent

necessity for replacing the burned pasture, as it ia all the district has to depend on. Before meeting the Oparaa settlers Mr Mackenzie inspected tbe burned out areas, thus be coaid forma fair estimate where the land burned could be seen from the road, but on many farms the damaged area is yie—ible from neither road. We must admit that the Government have acted wisely for the benefit of all in nor time of needin helping ug. A shower or two has varied tbe monotony of tbe drought. Cocksfoot has proved the strongest •od most reliable grass here ; it is recovering first, although paspalam presented green leaves all through the dry spell.

Fencing will be the next trouble. Those who have not the money and who don’t uphold borrowing most get at it. Some settlers hare been repairing since the big fire and before, where smaller fires bn rued the fences, aud have thus got a big start. O-hew will haye to sow first and fence after.