KAPONGA.

Opunake Times, Volume I, Issue 14, 17 August 1894, Page 3

KAPONGA.

(Our Own Correspondent.) On Thursday evening, the 9th instant, "we experienced one of the heaviest thunderstorms ever remembered iu the district, and a rimu tree on Mr John Mackie's farm was struck and splintered into pieces by the lightuing, which was very vivid and frequent. Our local smith has taken up the challenge of your smith, and we are anxiously awaiting results. Our man has already- taken prizes for shoeing and should prove a worthy foetnan to your local man. To meet the requirements of his increasing trade, Mr Naismith is erecting a large paint shop. A saddler has taken up his residence amongst us, and I trust that he will have no cause to rue his venture. I see that the Land Board are selling the Makaka township. I trust it will be the initiatory step to the opening of the Opunake-Stratford Road in the Hawera County. If the freezing works should start in your town, the large tract of country which would be opened up by this road would greatly increase the supply of meat to the works, besides permitting the graziers of the East Road a short and easy way of reaching the works. The importance of this road cannot be made too prominent, and the Opunake tradespeople would find it to their advantage if it were opened up for traffic, as there must shortly be a large population in the back country, winch is all taken tip, and a large amount of improvements effected. Your leading articles on the dairy industry are much appreciated, as also your article regarding military settlers' scrip, on which I see our member has moved a motion in the House of Representatives that is in accord with your article, and proves that Mr McQuire is ever on the alert to battle for the interests of his electorate. Professor J. Stagpoole has formed a very strong athletic club here, and on the opening night gave a splendid exhibition of club-swinging and weightlifting. Our Mutual Improvement Society is progressing very favourably, and some very instructive debates have been held this season.