OKAIAWA.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume V, Issue 764, 3 April 1884, Page 2

OKAIAWA.

(from our own correspondent.) Okaiawa and its surroundings are looking pretty quiet now that bush falling is over. There is not much work going on, nor does there seem to be much prospect of any, owing to the failure of bush fires. This has given great disappointment, as fencing, and grass seed sowing would have followed successful burns, which, would have benefitted employer and employed, as well as trades people generally. However, complaining will not do us any good. We ought to try and make the best of what advantages we possess. Living on a rich soil as we do, surely we need not succumb to hard times notwithstanding the scarcity of money. No doubt the dulness of trade will arouse latent energies and sharpen wits if it does no other good. I am sorry to say the delay in paying the Maoris for the leased lauds has caused a disagreeable feelling between natives and Europeans. Smarting under the injustice of the Government, the natives are showing their resentment by unfriendly behavior towards the Europeans. Our correspondent does not appear to fully understand the position. The trustee will pay if the natives will receive and give him a legal receipt.— Ed.] Some of the settlei*3 complain of the mysterous disappearance of poultry, clothing, etc. It is to be hoped the thief will be brought to justice before long. April Ist, 1884. L