Latest Parliamentary.

Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 373, 31 July 1908, Page 2

Latest Parliamentary.

(Special to the Settler.) Wellington, Monday. Mr Greenslade has presented to the Postmaster-General a petition signed by Messrs B. Gregg, P. C. Rise, and over 50 others residing in the Pomorangi, Kiritebere and Marokopa in which tne following requests are made : “That as soon as our present mail contract from Te Maika to Kiritehere expires on the 81st inat,., the new contract will be let from the Mangaohae P.O. to Marokopa, a distance of about 20 miles. Our reasons for this request are-—(1) That the present route is very circuitous and wastes a lot of time. Mails close at Kiricebere on Saturday and cannot reach Auckland before the following Friday evening ; that is six days en route, whereas via Te Kui i two days will suffice, (2) The road from Te Maika to Marakopa and Kiritehere passes almost entirely through native land, there being only one settler on a lengthy 17 miles, and much delay is caused by having to wait on tbe tide. (8) The distance from Te Kuiti to Marokopa is 40 miles, and would easily be passed over in a day as soon as the roads are in a little better condition, hence mails would reach Auckland from Marokopa in two days, or one third tbe time taken on the present route. (4) That the extension required to connect us with the Mangaobae P.O. is lass than the distance by the Te Maika route; that the bulk of the population in tbe Kiritehere Valley is within a ten mile limit from the Mangaobae P. 0.; the road is now passable for a paokhorse, and numbers of settlers and the families reside along the route, while there are 4 Post offices on the way. (5) What we want now is a contract let to carry the mail from Mangaihae P.O. to M&rokopa by wbat is known as a side delivery service for a term which will extend to the expiration of the present Te Kuiti-Mangaohae contract, after which one contract would over tbe whole. Mr Edward Halley, of Kiritehere, would do the work for that period at a cost not exceeding the present or would tender for the service.” The petition further emphasizes tbe fact that the settlers have been compelled to contribute £2B out of the £5O, tbe cost of tbe service.

Mr Greenslade has received a promise from the Postmaster-General that every consideration will be given the petition. A petition from Mr B. Gregg aud 55 others has also been presented by Mr Greeslade. (Special to the Settler ) Wellington, Friday. In response to representations frorn Mr p, C. Rose, secretary of tbe Kiritehere Set tleri’ Association, Mr Greenalede interview ?d the Hon. Millar, Minister for Marine, and urged that provision be made for the erection of a beicon on the reef at the en vaice to the river at Marokopa Heads, aud al*o for the erection of a aiaaH wharf and abed at the steamer anchorage —The Minister promised, if the settlers a> e willing to subscribe at the rate of £ for Ji, ho wilt be glad to consider the matter. He a’so says that the beacon referred to might be provided after a report has baen obtained, and ho will take steps to have suitable enquiries made. The native land legislation promises to oome down this session unusually early, The Native Minister gave notio. yesterday to introduce “The Amendni?ut of the Maori Land Laws Amendment Aot ” A question has been tabled by Mr Greenslade asking if tbe Government will give the necessary authority as soon possible for a trial survey of the proposed railway te om tho vicinity of the Kawa stabion to Kawhia and Raglan.

ihe Minister of Lands, in answer to Mr Jennings’ enquiries, states that the Government are having a report male on the qass bion of land for the ferry service at Oparau. A largely-signed petit’jn from settlers in Southern Kawhia has been sent to Mr Jennings, that laud at present unoccupied be thrown open for selection.—The Minister of Lands intends getting a repo. t from the on the subject.