PAEROA.

Waikato Argus, Volume III, Issue 159, 20 July 1897, Page 2

PAEROA.

Owharoa-Waihi Road. During the early part of last week your Correspondent had occasion to visit Waihi, and for the first time traversed the new road that has lately been formed connecting Owharoa with Waihi. This road, which Ins been completed at the expense of the Ohincmuri County Council, reduces the distance from Owharoa to Waihi about one milo ; added to this the grade is all th it can be desired, there being no hills to negotiate, which will require, to use a waggonei's term, "double banking." At ptcsent the road is extremely hard on the horses' feet. Notwithstanding the great amount of rolling that has been done, it will be some months ere the metal will have settled, s) as to make it less jolty. I see the Council is making good headway in forming the Waihi end ot the road, which still has about two miles to metal.

Light Railway.—The Waihi Gold Mining Company have nearly completed their liijht railway from Owharoa to Waihi, and from the commencement of this work it has been obvious that strength and durability has been studied by those in charge of the undertaking. It may be interesting to know that in connection with this one company it has been necessary to lay nearly 30 miles of tramways, exclusive of those the company has underground. Employment On my arrival at Waihi, I found as usual,several men who were about to return to Paeroa, not being able to get employment, partly through a number of the small miues closing down tor a while, many of which will re-open in the spriug. The majority of the business people's opinion here is, thnt there will be a great revival of business in all branches a few months hence, as we all know in country places where are most of the mines one great impediment is bad roads - fancy it takes a team of six good horses to draw "0 cwt. to the Komata, a distance of about seven miles from Paeroa ; mud fever is very prevalent amongst the teams, and it is not to be wondered at.

Waitekauki. Everything seems flourishing at Waitekauri, several buildings in course of erection, and generally speaking, one does not hear much talk about the dullness of the times at this flourishing township. 1 suppose when we compare the different townships, one with another, KaiangahaUe stands formest us rct'aids advancement ; it is really surprising to see the number of shops that are being built. Boardinghouses, rcstuiaunt rooms, and all seem to be doing a fair share of business. One has the " stars and stripes " floating proudly over its entrance, another called the "Jubilee," with the Union Jack hoisted, then there is the " Crown boarding-house," " Digger's Rest," and many others. Altogether, one caunot visit Karaugahake without noticing thut it is fast growing into a prominent place.