MAKURI WILDS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XVI, Issue 5055, 19 June 1895, Page 3

MAKURI WILDS.

From Our Own Correspondent.

The Pabiatua County Engineer appears to have authorised work on the Gorge ltgad without due consideration ; soveral men were employed to cart metal, mid after cutting up the road until it was nearly impassable, the Engineer inspected the i work, and ordered the metalling to be stopped. The opinion is hold, that should accidents occur through the bad state of the roads, tho Piiliiiituu Comity Council would be liable; in spite of their local proclamation in the local press to tho effect that " roads and bridges are unsafe." The Coucnil has expended some thousands of pounds—on loan account—of monies received for general rates, which should have

been available for expenditure, maintenance of roads, etc., they have not the funds necessary for maintenance purposes, it is argued, therefore, that they have by this process illegally dealt with their trust, and they would be hold liable in a court of law for accidents caused through bad roads, etc.

The Government have given £IOO towards keeping the road open between Pabiatua and Makuri. Mr li. H.Reaiiey, GovernmeutEngineer, will see that the money is expended in a satisfactory maimer.

Wild dogs are causing great anxiety lo settlers, several shoe]) having been destroyed, Two of the settlers who have lost the greatest number of sheep, have combined to take turn about at night to guard the flocks, and lie in wait in hopes of being able to shoot the dogs. No easy matter as they appear fleeter than the domestic animal. Should their efforts be unsuccessful, and the work of destruction continue, the younger settlers intend organising a hunt with pig and cattle dogs.

Foggan, the burglar, wassuspected of being in this neighbourhood. There was a feeling of relief after Detective Brown and the local police thoroughly searched the district.

On Sunday night, as a settler was riding along the Gorge, his horse stumbled over a heap of metal which had been tipped out of a dray, and left lying in a heap in the middle of the road. The horse turned a complete somersault, sending its rider some thiity feet over the Gorge, where his fall was eventually stopped by a thick growth of scrub, he escaping fortunately with a severo shaking, The horse was much cut and bruised about the head, and for some time appeared quite dazed.

It was withregretthatwercccived the information that through ill health Mr Haggen will he unable to visit Makuri, where he was expected to discuss the.cheap money market question—a question of vital importance to more that one harassed settlor.