HOUPAPA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2892, 18 August 1909, Page 39

HOUPAPA.

August 14. — The winter months have passed, and we have tasted the; first breath of spring, but only slightly yet. Scholastic. — Our school is having changes of late. Mr Lawless, who was relieving, has secured an appointment at Papakakio, nead* Oamaru. We have another relieving teacher just now, c Miss Reid, who has sp£at a good many rears in China under the C&nna Inland" Mission. We wish her ■every success among *us. ■Ministerjal Visit. — The event of the week has been the visit of the Hon. R. M'KenTU.fi, Minister of Public Works, and party, ■who arrived by special train on Friday, 13th inst. They proceeded to the rail head -at Thonston's, and had luncheon at th<9 Oovernment camp. Aitei luncheon a deputation waited upon the Minister, urging the opening ot' die Houipapa section, failing *bat tihe reduction of rates, so as to give -us tibrougih rates, both of whoh requests the MJinister refused, stating that the line would not be opened 1 until the next station -we 3 Teaohed, & distance of about three miles and a-haif. Asked as to when that was likely to be, he said he expected the line to be finished the* far — that is, to Paipatupu, by about Christmas. The state ■of the road opposite section 2, block IV, (Woodland district* was pointed out to the Minister, and he said nothing could be 'done- just now. The party then proceeded j&kmg the railway route by horseback and trolley as far es the 28-mile peg. Asked as to what he thought of the country fihrougth which the railway passed, the Minister expressed himself satisfied that it would be a splendid> grazing country as coon as the bush was cleaned off. #