RAGLAN.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 1996, 23 April 1885, Page 2

RAGLAN. These are an anxious times for the colony at large not knowing “what a day may bring forth” or whether peace or war may prevail. But the great anxiety of the Raglan settlers that justice shall be done to their important, but long neglected district. Several deputations have waited upon the Hon. Mr Stout the Premier and the Hon. Mr Richardson, Minister of Public Works, whilst they were in Auckland, to bring before their notice the wants of this district. The deputation consisted of the following gentlemen:-The Hon. H Chamberlin, M.L.C., Messrs T B Hill, W Duncan, C C., J.P., Meta Karaka, W Powell, J.P., Bridgman and J K McDonald. Mr Richardson requested a written statement to be sent to him. The works most urgently brought forward were the erection of a bridge and wharf, the former across the Opotoru creek, that will connect the Government township of Raglan with the road that has lately been surveyed through the Maori reserve on the opposite side and which road is of little use without the bridge in question. The reason this bridge has been so long delayed has been through native opposition to the road crossing through their lands which has to do to get to the lands beyond. That opposition is now removed and they are as anxious as the Europeans that the bridge shall be made to connect with their road and that the expense of this bridge will be recouped by the enhanced value of Crown land still unsold; that will be made accessible and which are not so until the bridge is erected. The settlers living in this locality have long endured the hardships consequent on the want of access to their homes and other others that would have become settlers have been deterred from the same cause. A public wharf also was referred to that steamers might come alongside at all times of the tide so that the charges for freight may be considerably lowered and thereby promote settlement. The Government have already received large sums of money from the sale of lands in the town of Raglan (250 acres) and thousands of acres in the highway district. Many thousands of acres of Government land still unsold would be largely increased in value by the execution of the above works. This district is not likely at any rate to be benefited by the construction of railways, therefore, it has the more claim upon Government. The thanks of settlers of this district are due to the gentlemen who so ably made known their wants, and it now remains for us to press forward with a determination that we will let “no stone be unturned to accomplish the completion of these important works, and from the present temper of the community there is every reason to believe that the Raglan people at any rate in the future, are determined to move shoulder to shoulder until their demands are met. On the arrival of Saturday's mail April 11th, Mr. W T Mitchell town chairman received a letter from T.B. Hill Esq., requesting him to lay before the settlers the desirability of sending a deputation to wait upon Mr Stout. He therefore called a public meeting to consider the subject which met at the council chambers, Raglan. Mr. Hills letter and making a few remarks upon the necessity of prompt action, called upon those present to give expression to their views. The works brought forward for consideration were:- Bridge, wharf, maintenance of Raglan Waipa Road, harbour board, with 10,000 acres for endowment, and Pakaka bridge. Regret was expressed that time would not allow of a more extended notice of the meeting. It was proposed by Mr W Cracken and seconded by Mr Philip, “That a telegram be sent to Mr Luke, our member, and Mr Hill informing them of the proposed action of the meeting and that a gentleman be appointed to at once visit Waikato with the view of interviewing the Premier to bring before his notice the wants of the district.” Proposed by Mr Mitchell and seconded by Mr Savage “That Mr. Pegler be the person appointed to wait upon the Premier.” – Mr Pegler thanked the meeting for the confidence placed in him and proposed that Mr Mitchell appointed as well; but, owing to several causes he was with great regret unable to do so.- Proposed by Mr Mitchell, seconded by Mr Savage, and carried, “That the cost of the deputation be guaranteed by this meeting.” -The chairman was directed to write a letter to the effect that the deputation had been requested to act on their behalf. Mr. Pegler left for Te Awamutu the same night, reaching that place on Tuesday night and on Wednesday morning met Mr Lake MHR who introduced him to the Hon. Mr Stout on his arrival from Alexandra. He then placed before him the desirability of the commencement of the various public works he was disputed to bring before him, amongst others being the repair of the mountain road, the erection of a wharf and bridge and the creation of a harbour board for Raglan. The Premier received the deputation with his usual affability. After giving him a cordial invitation to visit the Raglan district, the deputation withdrew. The best thanks of the settlers are due to Mr Lake for his great kindness in supporting the deputation and for the great pain he took to further the objects it had in view and it is to be hoped that now the Ministry are in possession of the wants of the district they may accede to our just requirements. A steady reaction is taking place here in favour of bringing the Counties Act into force and it is proposed shortly to hold a public meeting to consider this important subject, and it is clear from the speeches of both Mr Stout and Sir J Vogel that they do not intend to encourage road boards. It is a question whether it would not be better for the counties of Waipa and Raglan to become one county, still further carrying out the Premier's views of the extended areas of counties. The weather has now broken again. The rain is doing much good and will soon bring up the grass. A large quantity has been sown this season. Grabbing crops are looking very well and the pastures keep in good condition. Mr. Stevenson will hold services twice next Sunday in Raglan. He is now visiting the settlers. May his stay amongst us be productive of good.-Own correspondent, 21st April, 1884.)

The annual meeting of the Waitoa Road Hoard will bo held in the Pluunix Hotel, Morrinsville, on the Ist M.ij Mr H Cowper will sell by auction at hi? mirt, Cambridge*, on Saturday next, .it 11 o'< lock, piodure, draper), boots &c On Mondiy, the 27th inst , Mr J. S Hmkland will sell by auction, household furniture, &i., at Brewery street, Cambridge Ih" programme, of the Whatawhata races, which take, place on the 20th Ma), appears elsewhere A mi etmg of the members of the Hiunltnti Football Club will be held at tho Royal HoteI, Hamilton, immediately after the iirst niattiti, i>n .Saturday next. A public meeting of tho Gospel 1 enij'er.inc c Mission and Blue Ribbon Army will be held m the Publii. Hall, Hamilton West, on lcusil.i) evening next. An election to fill two vacancies in the Mangipiko Road Board will be held on Thursd ty, 7th May, and nomination* of candidate^ will be leccived on the 2nd May. 10- morrow Mr J. S. Buckland will hold a special cle in me sale at Alexindn of rtttle, implements, furniture, &c, the property ot .MrU. Setommbe. It u tho intention of fho Nguaruawahia Town Distrirt Hoard on Friday, Bth May, to ktnKc a ratrt of Oil in the £ for the >ear i>ndinif M irch, 186(1 Mr N. T. Maunder, returning- officer, Tuhikaramea Road Hoard, announces in our advertising columns that an election to (ill vacanue* in the jbovi! board will be held on tho Oth Mi), and nominations of candidates received on Ist Ma). <~ukkd 01 Drivkino — "A young Inend o mine wai cured of an insatiable thirst for liquor, that had so prostrated hit svstrm th it lie was unable to do any busine**. He wai cntircl> rured I)) the i)se of Am Co's Hop Hitters. It alUycd all that burning thiist, took away tho appetite for Injuor, made his nerves *tend),and he has remained a sober and steady man tor more than two var« and has no di*tire to retinn to Ins cups."- I'rom a hading R. X Olhtial.