WAIAPU.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume II, Issue 196, 15 August 1874, Page 2

WAIAPU.

(from our own correspondent.)

August 10. During the past three weeks we have been favored with ten or twelve fine days, and ploughing and other .out-door operations, in connection with the preparation of the soil for cereal sowing, have made considerable progress. I notice, however, with regret, that agricultural work here is carried on in a very slovenly manner; and although the land is, undoubtedly, very fertile, yet it does not receive that attention, at the hands of the tillers, which would render it more productive than it is. Almost everything seems to be left to nature, and wherever this very objectionable principle is acted upon, the result is unvariably adversely retributive; for benevolent and bounteous as nature is, she does not countenance indolence in any respect; but, on the contrary, inculcates persevering diligence and industry. For these, and these alone, she wisely reserves bust rewards. The early sown wheat is already making its appearance in apparently healthful braird—a development which indicates an early spring. In a recent communication, I suggested that the Government should take steps to eradicate scab from the East Coast, in order to prevent the spread of the disease beyond its present limits; and I have heard since that in all probability something will be done in this matter ere long. Now that the coast is being stocked with clean sheep of a superior description, it is highly necessary that those who have thus enterprisingly embarked in pastoral pursuits amongst us should be protected

from a species of infection which involves ruinous results wherever it exists. From a calculation lately made, it would appear that the whole of the diseased flocks in the district could be purchased for about £800; and when it is taken into consideration that so insignificant an outlay could obviate losses amounting, perhaps, to five or six times that sum, it is at once clearly perceptible that both prudence and common sense dictate that no time should be lost in destroying all scabby sheep. It is well-known that our local graziers are anxious that this should be immediately done, and it is equally wellknown that the owners of contaminated flocks would be glad to dispose of such, so that they might devote the proceeds thereof to the procurement of sound ones.

I observe from the Parliamentary proceedings that the Minister for Works has informed our member —Mr: Kelly—that the road between Opotikiand Poverty Bay, would be completed in six or seven months hence, which, I think, is too short a time for the completion of the work. Some say thatit will take fourteen months at least, to finish it, even if more than the ordinary amount of labor is employed to push it on. Eighteen or twenty miles of the moist part of the line—that from Waiapu to Hick’s Bay—is not to be commenced till October ; * and although the District Surveyor, Mr. Winter —under whose superintendence the thoroughfare is to be constructed —is an officer of progressive proclivities, it need scarcely be expected that the undertaking can be accomplished within the time specified by Mr. Richardson. This winter has greatly damaged the already made portion of the road and it will take a considerable portion of the ensuing summer to repair it.

There is a dangerous land slip, at a precipitous point, between here and A wanui, which requires early attention. It has so encroached upon the truck as to render it too narrow for equestrians to pass in safety, especially at night; and as the soil still continues to give way, communication may, soon be completely cut off there.

It is rumored that a respectable house in Auckland is desirous of establishing a branch store at Hick's Bay, where there is a considerable native population, as well as a few Europeans, on condition that the inhabitants guarantee trade support to a certain extent, which, I understand, some are willing to do. Should the project be carried out, a stipulation will be made to the effect that the best of goods shall always be kept on hand, and sold at the lowest possible prices. At this Bay cargo can be landed or shipped at any state of the weather —an advantage which, I believe, no other locality on the coast possesses.

[* Pur Correspondent is in error us to the line of road indicated The Opotiki line alluded to by Mr Kelly, is that one being executed by the Messrs. Simpson, from Ormond through the Motu Valley.—Ed. B.]