Maihiihi.

King Country Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 341, 1 March 1911, Page 5

Maihiihi.

Things are very dry in this district at present and unless we get rain in a couple of weeks things will look very bad for the winter feed. Without a doubt the dry spell recently experienced means a great loss to this settlement. Most of the settlers not being on their sections till late had to rely on spring sowing for their grass, and although they had a good take, everything except the clover died away. I am very sorry, for it helps to dishearten new settlers. Not only have they lost their grass, but in the early part of last week we had three frosts on end, which simply ruined every garden in the No. 2 block, and I can assure you, some of them were simply pictures. Maize, kumeras, potatoes, and all classes of melons, which were just coming to perfection, are all gone. This will be a severe blow to the thrifty settlers who were looking forward to a change in vegetable diet, and a saving in their grocery and butcher's bills. Still, wo are looking forward to better days. We had a very pleasant surprise visit the other week from Mr W. T. Jennings, our member, who has done so much good work for the settlers. He seemed surprised at the quantity of work that had been accomplished in twelve months by the settlers. After partaking of lunch which had been provided by the ladies, Mr Jennings made a most congratulatory speech, thanking all present for the courtesy received. He promised to ask the Government to throw open the adjoining Crown lands on the east of the present settlement, also to urge upon the Government the necessity of opening the school immediately, a* most of the children of age 3 ranging from five to fifteen years have now been over twelve month 3 without having any schooling. He also said he could plainly see the necessity for the Government giving settlers every possible assistance at present, for now is the time they are most in need and not in two or three years' time. He also congratulated the settlers in having chosen the R.O.P. clause, and after having been shown the different surroundings, left to catch the last train for Te Kuiti, expressing his great pleasure in having visited the No. 2 block and the good feeling that exists among the settlers.