HARAPEPE. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT]

Waikato Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1185, 31 January 1880, Page 2

HARAPEPE. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT]

We lately had a visit from Mr Stewart, C.E. (the District Engineer), accompanied by Mrf. A. Whitaker, M.H.R. The object of their visit was to inspect the proposed sites of the intended bridges over the Waipa at Te Rore and Whatawhata. The site for the Te Rore bridge is at present an unsettled question, aa some are in favor of a site about a mile lower down, and others for one at or near Te Rore. Of course all the residents at Te Rore and the people of Alexandra are in favor of Te Rore, and also many of the settlers on this side. As Alexandra is our nearest town, the nearer we can have it brought to us by road the better. The principal argument in favor of the lower site is that the bridge will cost less, and it will shorten the road to Ohaupo; but when the railway is finished to Te Awamutu, and the cattle sales are held there (as I hear it is proposed to do), that will be of no advantage to us. Of course it will be an advantage to the settlers living lower down near the river, as it will bring the bridge closer to them, and cause roads to be made that are now only roads in name, and a much better one than the ono now in use, As ftu'i however, aa I cuu

hear the majority are in favor of Te Bore, whioh I myself certainly think is the proper site. With the share of the late grant for bridges on the Waipa there will be, or should be, over £3000 in hand, so ;that there is no cause for delay: The Government propose taking over "^he building of the bridge themselves, tho fhoney in the hands of the local Board to be handed over to them ; a very good plan I should say, as they have ft) the available talent required at hand, which a Road Board has not ; in fact, the majority of members of Road Boards know very little about such matters. For the past fortnight the weather has been most favorable for harvest work, and the hay has all been got in and in good condition t I hear, with the exception of on& or two who began too early. The potato crop is looking well, and there bids fair to be a large yield of potatoes. No doubt they will be very cheap. The Rev. Mr Bruce still rkite this district, and has a service every fortnight. Mr Ormsby, the schoolmaster, teaches the Sunday school.— [January 28.]