TE AWAMUTU.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2792, 5 June 1890, Page 2

TE AWAMUTU.

The Waotu Road.—lt is timo the question of making this much-wanted road were again seriously agitated, and the matter warmly taken up. The waking of this road is of much importance and benefit to the whole of Waikato. The question was discussed last year privately, and the opinions held then ace uppermost sLill. It was urged that the road should be made because of the benefits that would accrue in opening up a large tivct of valuable land, part of which is already settled. Further, if this road were made the splendid forests which clothe the Manngalautari ranges, which abound with totara and other valuable timber would be rendered available. If this road were constructed the route to Tan no for tourists and others would be much shortened, and the errand scenery which it would afford would entice large numbers of globe trotters t'i take this rente. During last session a- petition was presented by the late much respected member for Waipa, Major Jackson. Though nothing practical came of it so far as a voto being put on the estimates to make the road, yet the Hon. Mr Richardson, Minister of Lands, on the part of the Government, promised that the matter would be attended to during the recess. 1 hope that promise will be kept. It won't do to let the Government keep the promise "steadily in view" and not fulfil it, firm but respectful agitation must be continued to obtain a due recognition from the Government. I believe it is the intention of influential men here and at Kihikihi to approach Parliament again through the Hoii John Bryce, with a view to having a vote put on the estimates for the purpose of making this road : It would only take i! 500 and already a fine bridge has been made near the Waotu, which is somewhat of a white elephant without the road. While on the subject of roads let me direct the attention of the Government and your numerous readers to the advisability of constructing a good coach road to Otoro hanga, via Kihikihi. There need be no great expense in doing this. The gradient generally is not very steep, indeed, a great deal of the country is perfectly level. What hills there are in the route might be avoided to a considerable extent. The large native and European population at Otorohanga and Tβ Kuiti would naturally be much benefited by the road being made. The fine stalactite and stalagmite caves near the former place which are attracting the attention of numerous tourists, are an additional reason for making this road, when it is remembered too that as the train runs only once a week, it is a con»iderable hardship to have to ride for miles over an unformed road to get to or from the places abot-e referred to. A. Nbw Domestic Inoustuv.— Whilo visiting at the hospitable residence of MiHenry Long, of Rangiaohia, I saw a very good spinning wheel, the hum of which, especially during the long nights of winter, can bo heard vvithiu that cheery and happy home " while the busy (and kindly) housewife plies her evening care." I believe both Mr and Mrs Long can make excellent articles of woollen clothing. I saw some wool, or rather worsted, spun by Mrs Long from the wool clipped off the backs of their own sheep. It was well spun. I understand that many, if not all, of the woollen garments worn by the family arc made by themselves from their own woo), including socks, stockings, wraps, and also underclothing. Mr and Mrs Long have shown true and wise thrift in this, and their example, might well be followed.