Masterton Bush Settlements.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume VIII, Issue 2253, 25 March 1886, Page 2

Masterton Bush Settlements.

; (By Our Special Reporter. (Contiwutd.) MASTEIHW-MANGAHAO (10,000 acKS.) This being the first Special Settlement Association formed in Masterton, more than usual interest is naturally centred in it, and as the time is drawing near for tho allotment of the various sections, the situation, and means' of reaching tho block will bo regarded as acceptable information by many of the members. It is situated on the western side of Pahiatua and distant four miles from tho main road to the boundary of ,the block. To gain access to it the Government propose to open a main road through section 20, (near the hotel) to the Mangatainoka river, a distance of three quarters of a mile. A site has been reserved here for a bridge and ford, this will connect with a road leading through the native reserve to the Mangahao river, a distance of three miles and a quarter, which will end in the centre of the eastern boundary of the Block. The latter piece of road passes through a level country, and is now in the hands of the contractor for formation. It is .'anticipated that this road will eventually bo the main road through the centre of'the Mangahao block leading to Palmerston North, at which place an agitation is on foot to connect it to the Forty Mile Bush by a road over a low spur in tho range between Pahiatua and filzherbert. The nature and quality of tho land is in every respect equal to the report given by the inspectors, who were appointed by tho members of the Association on its formation. Delay and annoyance is likely to be occasioned by the southern portion of the block being badly laid-off. Thin has already been the cause of a dispute betwoon the Surveyor and some of the Committee, and will probably result in a re-survey of that portion of the block, consisting of about 20 or 30 soctions, some of which have about 15 chains 1 frontage, running back from 100 to 120 chains, rather a choice shape for profitable cultivation, There are,. several Government Reserves for various purposes in tho block, which will cause some of the members to be balloted out oil the allotment, but it is expected that provision will be made to meet their requirements by adding to the size of the block, or transferring their interest to some other 'Association. To show the importance attached to this block of country by the 6overnment,|roads are being surveyed and constructed in all directions. The contract for one was let a few days ago, commencing from the centra of the Pah-iatua-Mangahao Road (referred to above) through the Mimgatainoke Block to the Manawatu River, and also for one commencing between five and six miles north of Pahiatua, from the main road, to the Mangahoa settlement, passing through a block ot about 8,000 acres that will shortly be put in tho market, thus tapping some excellent land in every way suitable for Bmall holdings. As the latter road will unite with tho main roads through the block, it will bo seen the proposed township on the Mangahao settlement will be placed between two roads, both of which should prove valuable motors to its advancement. Another great advantage, in perspective, is the situation of the proposed Pahiatua Railway station, which acoording to the lines cut will be situated between Pahiatua and the Mangahoa Block, about a mile from the formor plaoe, and adjacent to the road leading to the block. Woojjville-Mangahao (5,000 acres.) This selection joins the Masterton block on the southern boundary, having the Mangahao river for its Eastern boundary, which is about five miles in .length, the shape of the block being long and narrow. The survey is almost completed, and the allotment is expected to take place in a foiv days. The block will be served by the roads referred to in connection with the Masterton block. Woodville-Mangataiwka (5000 acres), This Association though of recent formation is exceptionally favored both in laud and situation. The Block is situated between the other two settlements'and Pahiatua, liavin'g two /iver boundaries,' east and west, on the north bounded by the Native Reserve, and tho South by ii block of lank of 5,000 acres that is now open for selection, We now visit tho eastern side of Pahiatua. Woodville-Tiraumba (5,000 a.ores). This ; blqck which has been allotted and on which settlement has commenced, is situated abqut five miles to the north-east ot Pahiatua. It is fairly good land, bqi like most of it on the eastern side at present sottjed upon is inclined to be rough in places. To connect this block with Pahiatua, a road is in.9ou.rso of construction striking in from the Mangatainoka Bridgo to the settlement. Masterton-Puketoi (6,000 acres). This is situated at the end of the Tiraumea road, about four miles from Pahiatua, and is already Bottled' upon, the first settlers having 'commenced operations about a fortnight ago. Having the advantage of a good road, the settlers on this block start under most favorable circumstances, and should advanco with corresponding rapidity, the land being good, and of a nature to ensure the easy settlement ot it. This js the key to tho PuketOi-Block, which, on rough; calqulatioii, 'contains about" 200)000 ; acres, embracing some of the best land in tlio province, though thero are places in it rather rough, anil not suitable for small farn) settlements,'' Pabiatua-Pokbioi, _ Thjs Association is of recent organisation, a block of land at the southern end of theMastertonrPuketoihas been granted to the promoters, and immediate steps are being taken to have the survey proceeded with, (Toll continued.)