RUTORUA.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 3027, 8 December 1891, Page 2

RUTORUA.

Fore.st Lands.—A public sale of fores' sections in tho Marasroa-Oturoa Block, nea,' Rotormi, is advertis-ed for Wednesday, Hith instant at Auckland. The conditions of leasing, however, are conspicious in being shorn of those liberal principals so common of late in the land laws of this colony, when an earnest desire has been shown by the Government, to foster and encourage the occupation of waste lands by sturdy and noble yeomanry. In the Maraeroa-Oturoa Block there are seventeen sections advertised, varying in size from M 8 to 51,S acres, comprising altogether 3,821 acres of what is termed good land. The rental is lived reasonably enough, being at the rate of -fd an ncru per annum, but some of the conditions imposed upon leasees—should there be any— is most arbitrary. Kor instance, the term of lease is only for 21 years, during which time improvements are to be effected until all the land is securely fenced and in grass, and at the end of the term No. 7 clause states: "The lessee shall have no right of compensation for improvements." This is surely asking too much. A man is to toil and slave to make tho once primeval forest a smiling landscape and then give up possession without any compensation. It will indeed be a matter of surprise if any of the sections are taken up, for there is an evident feeling of dissatisfaction amongst intending investors. Messrs Steele Bros, and Karl, of Ohaupo, have sections in the above mentioned block, but they were secured on a previous occasion when the conditions wero not of such a cast-iron nature. Messrs Steele Bros, are kept busy supplying sawn timber for the increasing wants of Rotorua. They have a steam saw mill, employing several hands, and turn out an article that gives satisfaction to carpenters. Mr Karl is finding a ready sale for strawberries which he has not been long in getting to grow on his land, besides planting a large number of fruit trees and following hia favourite occupation in the apiary line.

Tourists.—Mr Lake M.H.R., accompanied by his wife is now on a visit to this neighbourhood. Mrs Lake is taking the baths. The tourist traffic during the past month has been very slack, and gloomy forbodines of the season are predicted. The present c-ash in financial institutions in Sydney and Melbourne is sure to have a bad effect upon the tourist traffic to this piace as it is mainly from Australia that we receive most support.

Valedictory Skkvice.— On Sunday last the Rev. Mr Wills preached his farewell sermon to a well-filled church. The rev. gentleman chose the Ist Corinthians, 3rd chapter and Gth verse, tor his text, from which ho delivered an able discourse. It is fully eight months since the Rev. Mr Wills came here, during which time he has worked with much acceptance. He leaves for the Napier district, where he will shortly be appointed to the charge ot a church. The Rkv. Mil Sfknckk.—'The Rev. Mr Spencer returned here on Friday last from his visit. to Kneland, whither he had gone for the benefit of his health. lie will now re-enter upon his duties witn renewed vigour as incumbent of the Church nf St. Faith, which, during hit absence, ha- been mill -r th" ca'n of the Rev. Mr Wills.

Genekai, Items.—A change is about, t ' take place in the native wclviol at Rot >iti. The present mast'T (Mr Broderick) proceeds to Omiiii, near Opotiki, his pi«ce at R t iiti being taken up by Mr R. 0. Stewart, who was at one time Resident Magistr't- 1 at R ielan.—Mr J. H. Taylor is having a neat little office built adjoining his store, and which, when finished, will be occupied by one of Messrs Thos. Cook and Son's represent itii-es.—L ike View II >use h is changed hands, and its name has heen altered. Mr Seddon, the proprietor, has sold out to a Mrs Kemp, who has christened her recent purchase Terrace iiou-n.—Mr W. Kelly has leased his farm for live years- to a gentleman from Bombay, near Auckland —The poundkeeoer (Mr F. C. Clarke) has h.id reason to make official imtimation of his appointment to several owners of horses and cattle.