THE ROAD BACK.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 83, 8 April 1933, Page 10

THE ROAD BACK.

NGAPUHI PROGRESS.

ENTERPRISE AT PANGURU.

FENCES "SIGN THE PLEDGE!"

(By KAI-MATAKI.)

Boundary fences at Panguru are no longer- tottering derelicts of the countryside. To-day they are a new distinguishing mark of native property, and present a model which with advantage might be reproduced on every other rural holding in New Zealand.

"Your fences are drunken—they cannot stand erect," was the semi-jocular admonition the settlers received from Sir Apirau.l Ngata when, in the early stages of the development scheme which has thrived so well sincg, he inspected the settlement. "Induce them to sign the pledge," he suggested, although, perhaps, these were not the precise words used. Nevertheless the seeds of advice fell on fertile soil. With the enthusiasm that has characterised its other activities Pangur.u took the matter in hand. The result staggered even the Minister. Every batten, every post and every strainer avenged the penetration of his shaft of criticism. Wherever the Minis, ter looked, as we sped along those miles and miles of dusty roads, the new land marks shouted their sobriety and stability at him. On most properties posts were as stout as strainers, and there were many of them. Legion were the separating battens, resembling almost picket fence divisions. The ground itself will sink before the wires sag. Uniformity is the keynote of.the design, durability and solidarity the basis of construction. "There are fences for you," was the comment of the Prime Minister. And he meant it. • "As Children, So Cattle." The natives themselves were delighted by the impression industry had created, frai o-verahadorwing aU was their

satisfaction in having, in every respect, triumphed far beyond the expectations of their beloved leader. The absence of barbed wire on some of the fences was noticeable. Inquiry produced a simple yet characteristic explanation: "We don't put barbed wire around our children, and we won't put it around our cattle." The consolidation officers may be concerned over this attitude, but they realise it is unyielding with the minority affected. But the fences themselves absolve this prejudice. Well could the leaders of the community enthuse over every additional chain of fencing completed. Not even the fall of night could prevent our guides from pointing out, quite unnecessarily at that etago of our education, that the property bounded by that fine fence yonder was another native land development unit. By the iVnce we knew it.

Laughing assurances were given that what applied to the front of the holdings was common to the back, although it was admitted that all the replacement work there bad not been finished. "I will come back and see for myself what the back fences are like7*-the Minister promised them. "You will not be disappointed," was the reply. Advanced Development. By comparison with Pawarenga, Panguru is in a highly advanced stage of development. It is, of course, the biggest of the land development schemes among the NgapuhL Here, as with the "back-markers," the reawakened spirit which will move mountains is still enthusiastically in evidence. The ground won, the leaders of the community assured me, will never be lost. Still fur-ther-improvement and development will be the watchword. Already it has been possible to pay some attention to the residential places, and signs of prosperity are not indiscernible. It is a devout community, and over 200 of the children receive their education at the local convent, which has taken the place of the native school. With the welcome feast, again provided on the community basis, was music, supplied by an orchestra which performed with credit. The table service was in taste. It appears that on these occasions wedding presents come under a sort of "tarpaulin muster" commandeer, which results in the provision of as many cups, saucers, plates, knives, forks and spoons as may be required. Described as dinner, the meal was,an overwhelming feast. The cost, $aey said, was nnder. £1*

Amazon Excavator. It was at Panguru that much successful drain-digging was undertaken. One excavation examined by surveyors some time ago was outstanding, and conformed perfectly to the standard measurements when tested. "That was dug by a real man," the officer commented. "It was the exclusive work of one woman," he learned to his astonishment. The ease is not isolated. Women can do men's work, as well as, and sometimes better than, men, at Panguru. It is perfect partnership, though, and that is the only concern of these rapidly advancing, co-operative settlers. It is interesting that the vital driving force of tlie community should be a woman, Mrs. E. Gilbert, whose enthusiasm and example have been an inspiration to the other 50 odd units. It is said there is hardly a square inch of native-owned soil, a yard of native-constructed drain, or a chain of native-built fencing with which she is not acquainted. Other names to be conjured with in the great work of this settlement are those of the chiefs Paki Peita, One T Ihi, Mangakakia and Riki Hauata. The progress made will be continued. The march is to the top, for accomplishment has left Panguru unspoiled. (To he continued.)