ALFREDTON.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 5, Issue 1559, 14 December 1883, Page 2

ALFREDTON.

[FROM OUH OWN COimESPONDENT,]

The Chairman of the Masterton Road Board, accompanied by, the Board's Engineer, paid what "some simple people considered a "visit of inspection"to the Upper Taueruand Alfredton districts last week. I am afraid, however, that the inspection part of the business was very much on the surface, the real object of the visit being canvassing for signatures to the petition in favor of the "suspension of the Counties Act." It is perhaps as ■well to remind settlers that all the roads hi this district have been formed by the Council, and are also maintained by the same body to a vory large extent, and that the district has not twenty chains.of any road whioh has been formed by tho Masterton Road. Board, notwithstanding that hundreds, I might almost say thousands of pounds (including subsidies), have been raised by the Board from this district. The Alfredton settlers seem to recognise this fact, the Chairman and Engineer of the Masterton Board only having the names of two gentlemen—gentlemen who would be equally willing to' sign a petition in favor of the suspensionofthe Masterton Road Board, if such were presented to them, or any

' other petition, if they wore minfe to believe that it meant reduced rate's.

Settlers who have boen in this district during the last twenty years, say they have never experienced such a wet season aa the present one, shearing, is at least a month later than on any previous year. jßoad contractors, of which there are a number here at present, are having a very hard time ot it, only getting one or two dry days out of the six.

We are in fond hopes that thelato visit of the Minister of Crown Lands will lead to the opening up of 1 somo portion at least of the immense blocks of laud in this district. ; It would be a great blessing if something were done with the Educational and College Re-serves-sonie 12,000 acres of splendid country, which at present is only a haunt for wild pigs,, wild dogs, and wild cattle. Mr Bolleston was very fortunate in having as his guide Mr W. H. Beetham. Mr Beetham not only is acquainted with ■ all our bridle tracks, but knows every inch of tho country and its requirements.

At last the petition in favor of Road Boards is to be presented' to the Council, " better late than never." It is to be hoped the movement will bo successful, as the settlers both, in Alfredton and Eketahuna seem in favor of it.