MARERETU.

Wairoa Bell, Volume IV, Issue 155, 22 July 1892, Page 5

MARERETU.

[from our own correspondent.l Many of your numerous readers on perus* ing my Notes to the Bell will, I fancy, be apt to exclaim “ Where’s Mareretu ?” £ will now endeavour to enlighten them and give some information regarding the general features of the district which I trust will prove of some interest to the readers of the Bell. Mareretu is a fast rising district comprising about 32,000 acres aud is situated on the main Paparoa-Waikiekie Road, about five miles to the north of Paparoa township It is only a newly settled district, nine years ago it was an impenetrable wilderness with only one settler viz. our much respected fellow settler Mr Jas. Reay. The majority of the settlers acquired their laud under the Homestead system, which I venture to say has proved one of the most successful systems for settling the Waste Lands that has ever been inaugurated in the North Auckland province. Why the Homestead Act has been repealed is to us an enigma. The early settlers here had a rough time for the first few years having many formidable difficulties to contend with owing to the lack of roads etc. But by dint of indomitable perseverance and industry they have braved these difficulties and have carved out comfortable and remunerative homesteads for themselves, the land is of good quality and is admirably adapted to sheep farming. That which is brought under grass is carrying three and four sheep to the acre which. I think cannot he excelled in the Arapohue district. Your ‘ Arapohue Correspondent ” remarks, notwithstanding. There ai-e at present about forty settlers in the district and they appear to be quite contented with their lot, and we are told by an old adage “ That a contented mind is worth a thousand pounds a year,” so we cannot, be called badly off. Mareretu possesses a store, kept by Mr E. B. Hewlett who is also Postmaster. We also rejoice in the possession of two places of worship ; one Wesleyan Chapel and one Episcopalian Church, also a public school which is under the charge of Miss A. Devin who is a most able and painstaking teacher, and is in thorough sympathetic accord with her pupils. The Mareretu Parish is a Riding of the Otamatea County and is represented by Mr B. T. Birt, who has been re-elected three times in succession. The Otamatea Comity Council has done some good work since it was constituted some eight years ago. It had then to take over many liabilities from the Hobson County, but they now rejoice in the possession of a credit balance of over £IOOO with £4OO banked at fixed deposit. This clearly shows that the administration has been wise and economical. What a contrast to the Hobson, eh !Mr Editor ? The fresh this week took away a large number of logs from Mr Fitness - bush here Mr R. Thompson IVI. H. it. is urging the Government to complete the main road to Waikiekie,