JOTTINGS FROM WANGANUI.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 899, 19 August 1910, Page 2

JOTTINGS FROM WANGANUI.

. AFTER THE BIG FIRE, (By Telegraph.-Spccial Correspondent.) Wanganui, August IS. Eapanui settlers, who have been for 601110 time agitating lor a telephone service, have now been informed that their request has been granted, and that a start will bo made with tho erection of the lino in a week or two. Uwing to tho fact that there are so many somewhat similar names—"Papanui" for instance—the Telegraph Department requires settlers to choose a new name for their district. The Ven. Archdeacon Jacobs, who has been severely indisposed recently,. necessitating complete rest, is reported to be making good progress towards recovery. • The lambing season is now in full swing, throughout this district, and farmers generally report' themselves as in expectation' of good percentages. The Pnrnparn Road, the- main highway to the interior, which has been in a bad state during the winter months, is reported to bo still in the same condition, and in places almost impassable. Practically no work is at present being done on the road. The directors of tho Southern Cross Biscuit Company met yesterday afternoon to discuss the question of rebuilding. The result of their deliberations has not been made known yet except that, as soon ns tho necessary adjustments have been mndo with the insurance companies, rebuilding will begin. In the meantime temporary structures nro being put up in which to carry on. One of these is practically finished already, and. two others will bo' completed in a day or two. Mr. Gregor M'Grcgor, recently appointed manager of the Maori farm- at Morikau No. 1, near Ranana, on the Wanganui Ri.-er, has returned from a visit of inspection to tho block, and is now drawing up a preliminary report to the Aotca Maori Land Board; Operations on tho farm, ho says, start almost at once. He found the farm to consist of nice, easy country, with soil of good quality, and admirably adapted for mixed farming. At present some stock belonging to Natives is running on the place, but all this will be mustered and sold, and an entirely fresh start will bo made.