ARAPOHUE.

Wairoa Bell, Volume V, Issue 194, 21 April 1893, Page 3

ARAPOHUE.

. [From our own Correspondent.] The chief item of interest among us just now is the projected departure of two of our long'fMident settlers, namely Messrs Kidd and Berridge. The former has, I hear, leased his place to Mr Smith of Mangawhare, and the latter sold out to Mr Atkinson. Mr Berridge called a meeting of the ratepayers to give an account of his doings as our representative in the Council The night was dark And the roads bad or a much larger number would have been present. Mr Berridge stated that although, the riding still had a large debit balance, £230 had been paid off during his term of office. He explained to us that the present system of keeping accounts was not in accordance with the Comities Act, made and provided for the guidance of the Council. The matter requires very serious consideration, and the Council should certainly endeavour to place their finances on a strictly legal basis. Mr Webb, serir., jroiroseda vote of thanks to Mr Berridge for the manner in which he had served the ratepayers. This was seconded by the Chairman, Mr F. Bradley, and carried with acclamation. We all regret Mr Berirdge’s departure; he has certainly left his mark in the district, having, in conjunction with Mr Hasletf, erected all .-the principal buildings, both public and private. He intends settling- in Waikiekie, and we wish him success in his new sphere. The metalling of the road by the school has been carried out successfully ; over five chains, nine feet wide, being done in tnree days. Had the work been delayed another week it .could hardly have been done at all this season.. Another concert to take place in the Hall on Friday week is in preparation. Three of our young men lately went across the Mongpnui.ona gum searching expedition; not being 'very successful they started off one afternoon along-a Maori track towards the mountains, and after travelling for some hours, found themselves after a, very stiff climb, on top of the mountain range. Here they were obliged to remain all night with only their fiann'bl shirts and a fire to keep them warm. ’ They'describe the view from the mountain top ,as delightful. They witnessed the sun setting on one side of the Island and rising again on the other. There is some excellent land lying idle along the base of these hills There are about 200 natives.gn.rn digging out there, and Mr Fitness has- a -stoke' and purchases the gum. Thus before the land is opened for settlement the means of living on it for poor settlers will be taken away. A journey to these mountains, when there is a road practicable for horses, is a thing we.may hope to enjoy.