THE MAROKOPA TELEPHONE.

Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 364, 5 June 1908, Page 2

THE MAROKOPA TELEPHONE.

(to the editor.) Sir, —It is with some surprise that I have read two letters in the Kawhia Settler, in opposition to this line, namely Messrs Darecourt’s and Stanley's. 1 am under the impression that these gentlemen do not attatoh the im portance to this line that it deserve?. First, in reply to Mr Darec lurt's letter, that the Awakino settlers would not thank Mr J. Shaw for his trouble in canvassing his district for guarantees : I am under the impression that the Kawhia County should thank him, as three-fourths of the line is in Kawhia County. Reasons why the Kawhia County should support this line. First, —That the line starts at the Post Office, Kinohaku, and extends for about a distance of 11 miles through that district to Te Anga Junction, thence down the river, on the Kawhia vide, to the euspeufijoii bridge below Haylocks*, a distance of 4 miles. The line then crosses the river and cantinues down to the Heads on the Awakino side of the river, a distance for some 5 miles. The telephone office at Marokopa, would not be 150 yards from the Kawhia County, and in no instance will the line be a quarter-of-a-mile from Kawhia County, as it only touches the fringe of Awakino County. The bene fit to the Kinohaku settlers, including Te Anga, are these : —lt will increase the importance of the district, having a talephone line with an office at five nr'e intervals, and would increase re’l ing values. Besides life may be saved in case of accidents or sickness, and it would be very handy in case of an urgent order. The advantage to Kawhia would be these : First an increase of postal importance. Second—lt would assist to keep the Kawhia— Marokopa steamer in the district, as the Captain could be notified when the Marokopa bar was fit to cross, so doing away with the unnecessary delays. Third—lt would assist Kawhia tradespeople by bringing them in closer contact with Marokopa and Kiritebere settlers. Fourth—lt would help to keep a doctor in the district, as the fore-mautioaed districts would be brought six or eight hours nearer. Fifth—The Kawhia people should do all in their power to form a centre at Kawhia, and codsolidate the district as far as possible by encouraging the erection of telephone lines and construction of roads. The advantage to the Marokopa and Kiritebere settlers are these:— Closer contact with civilisation and consequent advantages derived therefrom. Bo far the position is this—Kiritebere, Marokopa and Awakino subscribed through Mr Rose £26, distance 5 miles, a little over £5 per mile guarantee. Kinohaku, 15 miles, guarantees collected by Mr J. Shaw £l6 or £lB, with goodness knows how much bother and grumbling, about £1 per mile. Now, iu regard to Mr Stanley, he knows perfectly well that a County cannot accept any man's word, and that a man's word without a written guarantee would be useless to a public body. I wuu’d warn Te Anga settlers that if they do not support this line it may be a long time before they get another chance as adyantagsous. After all I would impress ou settlers the fact that it is only a guarantee, and it is not likely they will be called on to pay another pound as the line will earn more revenue than they expect. Anyhow the privilige is cheap at a pound per year. Mr J Shaw and Mr Rose deserve the thanks of the settlers for the time and trouble tl ey have taken iu the matter —they have mine. In conclusion, I would urge that all cocktails make application to Mr Shaw for their money ao so n as possible, or they may lose it. We would then know bow much requires to bs made up, as this line wants completing as soon as possible.—Yours, etc, JOHN WOULDEB. Kiritenere, 30/5/08.