An Instructive Trip.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 46, 24 February 1914, Page 5

An Instructive Trip.

bued with a strong desire for bettor communication. The chairman said they were not very sure whether “they were preying on us or we on you. Mr W. T. Jennings: “Pray on unfailingly !” (Loud laughter and applause), Mr Richards, continuing: “If the chairman is praying lor us, 1 hope he will continue! But speaking seriously, I think better communication will be for our mutual advantage. Wo want you in Stratford; of course wo do; we want you there. 1 think it will be for your own good. But if you can do bolter by going somewhere else, then I say, go where you can suit yourselves best. As far as the best towns are concerned, I say—The Devil take the Undermost. The Bush-clothed sides of the Tangarakau Gorge. Possibly, said Mr llichards, to those who were strangers to 'the bush, the call might not appeal so strongly as to those who had been in the bush and loved it and had left it, - but he thought, tile bush was of very great value to the district and to the whole of Taranaki. Ho considered that it should be preserved with the utmost I care; any attempt to destroy it was a sacrilege and should be resisted to the utmost of their capacity.—(Hear, hear and applause). Mr Richards admitted he was not 'fully acquainted with the area through which the Gorge runs, but he would certainly make it his business to ascertain the position, and he sincerely trusted that the people of Ohura would press from their end the aim that a suitable area be made a scenic reserve, and thus preserve it for all time. “Newer Say Die!” The Chamber had been to considerable trouble in the matter of a new road between the other side of the Gorge and Ohura, and they had also been asking that the telephone be extended from Tab ora- to Tatn. Though they had put off more than once for various reasons, their motto was “Never Say Die!” and it was their intention to press the Government for hat extension to their utmost, t would he a great adyau- : age to Stratford and the peo ole of Ohura in business matters. Oi course .thev would understand that the basis of all business was value re-

oeived, If they could deal to suit their own purposes with Taranaki, they would do it; if not, they would go' ■lsewhere. Years ago he had had the unpleasant experience of rescuing the mailman who had fallen off his horse ;d the Gorge. If they had a service m those days it seemed to the speaker preposterous that a service could not ie established now, and he hoped that *(;■ would be a fact in the very near future, to ’remain t for their mutual atmfaction.' (Applause). 111 nci ■. 1 ' The 'Railway. * 1 Mr. Richarcis,(sad! he had beenninftiihk'dl that ?a Contract had ibeen’ let in order td ; enable to get out to Che Main Trunk line. The visitors’ hope was that progress would be made with Uiat tunnei and the other portions -of the railway would be vigorously prosecuted.—(Hear, hear). For his own part he considered it'should be in no way allowed to proceed at a slower rate. At the same time while they Look hpli/ of'Hhe railway wifK bflth hands—and it was right that it should ~e prosecuted in orddr that the produce of the land should 'get out—he hoped they would also continue to do everything towards getting the telephone 'pie and the mail service.—(Hear, pear.) And ho hoped that when the. lime came that the railway was linked up, many of them (it could not be all) would meet and think of the good time they had had; they had been treated right loyally, and he assured the people of Ohura their hospitality had been appreciated. In conclusion, Mr Richards expressed the hope that as many of the Ohura settlers as possible would visit Stratford, where he would endeavour to make the visit a pleasant one, and he trusted they would copio away from Stratford with some of the idea with which the visitors would leave Ohura, arid would say that they were a pretty good lot of chaps. (Rond applause). Mr W. A. Hewitt, bon. sec. of the Chamber, returned thanks for the enjoyable time the party had experienced. He stated that ho had been through the district several times before, the last time on horseback, and this time by coach. He was very pleased ‘with the prospects of . the country, That day lie had seen some very good land, showing that some of.the settlers wore possessed of some progressiveness. On the other hand, some of the sections appeared not to bo farmed so well as they might bo, but in any now settlement it could not bo expected that every man would be-an idealist. During the present visit he was pleased to see all the prospects so favorable, and he was much impressed with the quality of the land and the prospects shortly to he arrived at. If, he said, the Taranaki people could assist them financially to farm, to supply thorn with material, it< would create friendship and induce the Ohura people to go to Taranaki. Under those circumstances, if they could place their business affairs in any way in a favorable light, bo, for one, would do what be could to assist them; at any rate it would not be bis fault, if they did not obtain assistance. There was any amount of room for half a dozen firms to come to Ohura. tie hoped to see every film all round the coast, as the [settlers deserved it. Mr Hewitt con--1 eluded by again thanking the Association for their many kindnesses. (Ap- ■ pi a use). TRADE AND COMMERCE. Mr G. C. Stevenson briefly proposed the toast, which was responded to Mr W. P. Kirkwood (Mayor of Stratford) in a capita! speech. In opening bis remarks Mr Kirkwood referred to the hospitality of the district as being “absolutely unbounded,” Proceeding,

he said lie had always felt that there was a strong community of interest between Ohura and Stratford. While he expected sympathy, he did not expect die very warm-hearted and cordial reception that the party had received. He hoped that the visit would bo the means of opening up trade between the two centres. There was no doubt but that the two places were indissolubly bound up together. A district was a producer and the towns were the means by which the produce was handled. They did require the towns who had boats for the purpose oi promoting trade and commerce. And Chambers of Commerce .were formed for that purpose. He had no doubt the visit would assist them to further trade in the Ohura —at least they sincerely hoped it would do so. 1 Hoads, railways, and harbors were necessary to promote ?tade • the first, probably, was roads, which was most essential throughout the district. It was pleasing to see the roads in such a line state at the present time, but of course they would remember that the visitors were seeing the roads under absolutely the best conditions. But they were not always in the condition they should be to give the best outlet or to serve their purpose, and the Government should give all the assistance due to the backblocks districts.—(Hear, hear). At the present time they were in the same state as they were some years ago. Outside the question of a railway or not, they were ehtitled to have good roads. As to the railways, where tliey had to come from or where they had to go to, was purely a parochial subject, and there should be no dog-in-the-manger business about it. He had always maintained that the StratfordOhura line should he pushed on to the Main 'Trunk at the earliest opportunity. In referring to the resolution regarding the line passed at the conference of the County Council at Whangamomona, Mr Kirkwood said he considered it was a fair one, which simply asked that the Government do not stop work at the Stratford end. He was very pleased to note that it was one of their representatives who moved in that direction. As far as the Main Trunk end of the line was concerned, they were quite prepared to see the Government spend any amount of money there provided they do not stop at the Stratford end of the line.' Coming to harbors, Mr Kirkwood said he had the greatest faith in the future of the New Plymouth harbor, and he had no doubt in bis own mind that

within 12 months it would provide ihem with-ocean-going steamers at the wharves. That would, lie affirmed, be of greater benefit to Taranaki as a whole than to New Plymouth itself. There was no doubt in his own mind that the harbor ’tvould be made safe for Home, liners, ,anid they would find that when‘ it wa^' cdniplete'd phd the railway linked up, there would bo a better' market, that way than in the north. In all tifdfeW 'flip proftT of. the jpuddihjT'this in the''eating. If a bhttor< markdtf' wbre provided in the (north : thojK si'ihld 'go thcte, but if the 'bMtbr oUe were : 'at‘ NeVv 1 " Plym'outh, Taranaki people \Voukl expbct them to

go there. Time alone would tell, but he would prophesy that night that in a short’time the harbor would be completed and an opportunity of testing whether it was the best market would he given. Ip conclusion, Mr Kirkwood ■drain; elxpressecJ.jbis thapjpyfp the, peppig of Chivipbey of Commerce an4 M ;the .people, of,, weie, he assured thepi. , Mayor, eatifelyi in in jt)io matter, it -had their very great the whole town and district felt that there

was a community of interest between the town, the district, and the Ohnra part of Taranaki, which drew, them very closely together in very common ties. (Loud applause). Mr W. H. H," Young also spoke briefly in i cplv, ' He said it was pleasing ro know that the commerce of the Dominion was increasing year by year, and that this year had been a record. In a district like Ohnra the people were assisting in that direction, and he was convinced they would still go on in the way of progress. When the railway was through, he trusted the Stratford end would receive its fair share of the trade from Ohnra. He had no doubt it would be to both their advantage when better communication was available, The speaker was accorded a hearty round of applause on resuming his seat. LOCAL BODIES. In the absence of Mr Loveday, the chairman proposed this toast. In the course of his remarks bo mentioned that the Government was taking over the Government grants from the County and was going to expend them itself through the Public Works. Ho could not say that he was sorry—there would he less for the Council to do.

Mi- E. Walter, Stratford County Council, in response, mentioned that the trip was the first time he had been through that far, and ho admitted he was impuessod with the country, in hearing which they must remember he was not there on business. He had had a good time, especially at the smoke social on the previous night, when the company had settled by debate practically everything.—(Laughter). A« a member of the Stratford County Council ho must say that he had re-

ceived many kindnesses at their hands and had seen a lot of the country. There was not so much Hat land as he had expected to sec. Part of the country would have to he farmed well, by men of experience ; it would have + o he nursed and looked after; and

before they would get the full benefits of the land they would have to put on plenty of cheap manures. He gave them some good advice. Basic slag would do them all right. Turnips should he put in where the plough could ho used, as the country would go hack ; to weald like to see more grass; and Iho hush should he felted. It would do riyon better with the cheap manures ; oHOO tons of basic slag was to tic lauded for Newton King at New Plymouth, and they would find that would he railed as cheap as any. The trip

through the Gorge lie thoroughly enjoyed. He had now seen the country once, but would sooner come to see them again by the railway. (Applause). He hoped the Ohura people would send representatives to Stratford ; he would promise them as good a time as they had given the visitors. (Applause). THE PRESS. Mr S. C urrie, County Councillor, Ohura, projxised the toast of “The lb •ess.” He advised the people to milk the cow that gave the most milk, and he believed that one was Taranaki, He paid a tribute to the efforts put forth for the' advancement of the district by the local paper, and referred to the difficulties occasioned through the mail. He mentioned the help given by the Stratford people in the matters of the telephone, mail and railway. This was. responded to by Mt W. T. Jennings, ex-M.P. for the district, the ‘Tost” representative, and Mr Thompson (Ohura /Advocate). Mr Jennings said the trip had really been the most enjoyable lie had ever had; it had been a “gorge” the whole time.— (Laughter). He congratulated the people of Ohura; he had never yet seen them fail in hospitality. He agreed with previous speakers as to the necessity of moving in the matter of conserving the Tangarakau Gorge to the people. Certain people in Wellington were endeavouring to cut up the beautiful Gorge and trying to destroy it. He hoped every means would he used to prevent the destruction of the bush in one of the most beautiful gorges in New Zealand. It would be a thousand pities. He was always against' the railway going through the Gorge, and how lie v;as glad to say a deviation was to he made to avoid that (route,* and, no harm would be done. There was a bond of amity between Taranaki -and Ohura, and the boundaries were being rapidly lessened by means of communication. Ho held it was the duty of a man in a public position to give facilities; he should never he restricted to saying they should go one way or another,hut the opportunity should be given to the people, who would go where they were well treated. In conclusion Mr Jennings referred to the press of New Zealand as being second to none in the British Empire. (Applause). THE CHAIRMAN. Mr Kirkwood referred in eulogistic terms to Mr Sandison as chairman/ to which he briefly replied, and the gathering closed with the singing'of Auld Lang Syne. ! :

1 INTO our hinterland, STRATFORDITES ENTERTAINED, At Ohura (formerly Mangaroa) on* Saturday night, the members of the | visiting party under the auspices of | the Stratford Chamber of Commerce 1 | were entertained"at a complimentary' .dinner, which was spread in approved {style at the Bridge House under the [capable management of Mr H. E. jAves. There was a gathering of over • thirty, presided over by Mr W. Saudi-, [son (Chairman of the Ohura County Council), and after all had dined a. short toast list was honored.

OUR VISITORS.

After the loyal toast of “The King,” the chairman proposed “Our Visitors,” briefly welcoming them to Ohura. He expressed the very great pleasure it gave him to propose the toast, and his •regret that the visitors tfid not come to see local residents more often. The | position appeared to him to be that JOhura did not know whether Taranaki would “slew” them or they would “slew” Taranaki.—(Laughter and applause). Xo doubt the time was coming when the two districts would be ’inked up together by the railway, and then he hoped to see the family so united tliat they would see that Ohura’s interests-were their interests, and so they would extend theirs as well is Ohura’s. (Applause). He asked local representatives to drink to the health of the visitors with all the heartiness at their command.

Air Richards, president of the Stratford Chamber of Commerce and head of the party, on rising to respond, was received with applause. He said he could hardly express to them the gratitude of his colleagues for the very great hospitality that had been extended. For many years, he said, the Stratford Chamber of Commerce had been using their best endeavors to naintaiu means of communication between the' Ohura district and Strata ford, (No doubt they would see for their own benefit the possibilities there, mt the Chamber recognised that the benefits accruing to them must come through the prosperity of the 'settlers of Ohura and the surrounding districts.—(Applause), They recognised that their prosperity depended upon the prosperity accruing from the primiry products, and that if-they were all to get the best results out of• the land they must have means of communica-

tion. Means of communication in a icw country mfiant,first of all,a market (of their stock, 'and if it were newer than that it meant being able to get m to the land, which was an undertaking in regard to obtaining goods and other things which they, understood much better than the visitors did. there was the Ohura Road, and the ’ink between them, the Tangarakau Gorge. They wanted to, get ..through and make themselves familial* wjth the linterland of Taranaki. Every section, of the citizens of Stratford were convinced that they should act in unison, md in saying that Mr Richards said he was not “drawing the long bow.” They all wanted to see access to the >hura. He had heard that the Ohura I vas a fertile country and that he would Dome upon valleys and river flats. He lad heard this in several parts of Taramki, ml he regretted to say that in he first instancl he was somewhat disappointed when be saw it, ’but the mpression lie had received that ! ay had refreshed him and had dtered it. Mr Richards thanked their msts sincerely and heartily for the hospitality extended to the party, who leartily appreciated it. He apologised for the absence of Mr .1. B. Hine, nemher for Stratford, who had particularly wished to be present, but vlio had the day before they started m the journey suffered the loss by death of his mother. Mr Richards mid he was sure all present condoled vith Mr Hine in his bereavement. 'Continuing, the speaker said that when mining down the Paparata Saddle he vas becoming disappointed With the ! nok of the country, but by the |ime he md got to Ohura, he admitted he was tartieularly delighted and astonished hat the country was so good as it was. The drive which had been given them md which they had so much enjoyed [that day, was a lovely one through very good country, and he had no doubt there were many thousands of acres >f similar land which the party had tot seen. The settlers of Ohura were to be congratulated and were fortunate n having directed their steps to the listriet. There was no doubt the difficulties of the pioneer were more in their district than in other parts of Taranaki. Yet the progress made in the short time which has elapsed since the place was virgin bush was truly remarkable. It was only something like ten or eleven years since the land was turned from virgin bush into the mautiiul farms that were seen that O.v. Mr Richards stated tht he did [not want to be fulsome in Ins ■ mt lit' must say that the scenery had astonished him. As to the roads, they [wanted metal and they must get,it so as to have an outlet for their products and get returns therefor. Still the country seemed smiling and prosperous. Tin s is how the country appeared to the speaker; It was undoubtedly P>od, splendid, especially the hill ■mantry : the fiats were unquestionably good, and the bill land which was bushcleared appeared to be excellent. As to the work of the pioneers they knew more than lit l (Mr Richards) did. Ho laid a tribute to their work, which took nnm strong in body and mind to undertake. Not only the farmer, but The storekeeper, aye, and the roaddriver have to be men who will stick their toes in and never say die. (Applause). Mr Richards assured them on behalf of the Stratford Chamber of Couisnirea liiai »v«iy mombsr was **•-