PROVINCIAL NEWS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 225, 23 September 1929, Page 16

PROVINCIAL NEWS.

TAUPO. The remarkable progress of Taupo is well maintained, notwithstanding the abandonment of the railway, which can never keep Taupo back. At the recent Valuation Court very few objections were received, and hardly any of them was sustained. The valuations are roughly double the previous figures. If the same rate is imposed, viz., 3d in the £, on unimproved values, the board will have about twice the income with which to develop the town. The feeling seems to be that it will be advantageous to impose the present rate and so make the place more attractive for visitors.

There have been many subdivisions of blocks recently, and practically all have beoii absorbed by the public. Mr. Williams' subdivisions have all been sold, also the blocks cut up by the Clark family. The latest block, opened a few weeks ago by Mr. Hill, has been roaded, and many of the sections have been sold. One of the purchasers is putting about £3000 into a house and grounds, which she proposes io visit once a year from Scotland.

The Taupo Road Board has received a letter from Sir Joseph Ward stating that the development of Taupo would receive careful consideration. He mentioned that it would probably cost £3200 to lay the water to the domain in the middle of the town, and that it might require re-heating. In any case, he had placed £50 on the Estimates towards expenses. It was decided to send a deputation to the Public Petitions Committee to give evidence on the matter of the Taupo railway, etc. OHAKUNE. The State Forestry intend shortly to erect a five or six-roomed dwelling next to their office at Ohakune Junction, where the local officer, Mr. Perham, will reside. The Rev. Aker is visiting Ohakune district in the interests of the Methodist Church, and is giving addresses on home mission work.

The Waimarino Acclimatisation Society has decided to purchase another 30 pheasants this season, as they appear to be doing well in this district.