AORANGI SETTLEMENT.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 8761, 12 March 1907, Page 3

AORANGI SETTLEMENT.

The Minister of Lands, the Hon. E McNab, arrived at Feilding yesterday by the express, and was met by Mr F. 1. Lethbridge,s M.H.E., and a number of the Aorangi settlers. After lunch the Minister was driven to Mr Weston’s property in the settlement, and was escorted along the bank of the river, through the different properties, as far as Mr Standen’s place. A good chance was given the Minister for observing the manner in which the river has cut away large portions of property, notably on Messrs S. Weston’s. J. McFarland’s, T. Holt’s, and 1). .Herlehy’s. Good work has been done by Mr Weston in the way of protective ■works, as is also the case with Mr Hurleby and Mr McFarland. The Minister seemed much impressed with the quality of the land, and expressed regret at seeing it being carried by the river. A portion of Mr Fairfield Thompson’s property was pointed out where the river has on more than one occasion overflowed its banks, and taken a course towards Palmerston, doing 1 a lot of damage. The Minister seemed fudy alive to the danger of the river and the loss it was doing the settlers, but he did not give any expression as to whether the Government would be likely to lend a hand in the matter. He informed our representative who was present that after due consideration the committee will be informed as to what stops the Go\ eminent intend taking. On arriving at Mr Standen’s place tho party were served with light refreshment. They afterwards proceeded to Mr Mayo’s orchard, and after again being refreshed with fruit, &c„ returned to Feilding, when the Minister departed by the 5.30 train for tho north.