THE MUDDY NORTH.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 21, 24 January 1917, Page 7

THE MUDDY NORTH.

PARLIAMENTARY PARTY'S TOUR. HELD UP AT HOKIANGA. (Sperisl to "Star.") KOHUKOHL', this day. The majority of the Parliamentary party were stuck; up at Herekiuo, a small township thirty miles to the north of Hokianca Harbour. We were scheduled to arrive at Herekino at 10.30 yesterday morning from Kaitaia. and to arrive at Kohukohu at four in the afternoon. As was feared, the roads were very bad, and it took the party from ten in the morninn till four in the afternoon to travel twenty-two miles from Kaitaia to Herekino. A lew cars came to Hokianga Harbour by a roundabout way. via Whangaroa and Waimate. The "Star's" special corresponaent, in Mr. Neumegen's car, which was too heavy for the Herekino roaSs, came this way. We left Kaitaia after the main party, pushed on with minimum delay, and reached Raiigiahua, on the Hokiamra River, before 8 o'clock, coming over ninety miles. We took a launch'immediately for Kohukohu, arriving alter 9 o'clock. Others came the same way, and stayed at Horeke. across the river. Communii-ation here with the \orth is very bad. The telephone from Herckino stops right round Ohaeawai and Eaitaia, and consequently it is difficult to ascertain information. It is stated to hare been raining at Herekino, and doubt is expressed as to the ability of the travellers to proceed, in which case the lot of so large a party in a small township with limited accommodation is unenviable.

(At 11.45 a-m.) TVord was Teceived that three care had readied Broadwood, eighteen miles away and others were not far off. The party should therefore get through today.