PROGRESS OF SETTLEMENT.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 592, 9 August 1913, Page 4

PROGRESS OF SETTLEMENT.

+ „. THE MANGAORONGO DISTRICT. It is only three or four yearß Binoe the country lying to the east of Otorohsuma began to attract the serious attrillion of land seekers. During the year 11)10 a considerable amount of rom.trv bordering the Waipa river v,;ii opened for settlement by the Government, and about the same time a considerable area of native owned land was acquired by various Euroi,;.anp. Since settlement began prorrfss in the district has gone steadily ahead, and to-day on all sides one dooH green paddocks and homesteads where a year or two ago the prospect, was'a continuous view of fern slopes dotted hew and there with a Maori kahma. The land for the first ion miles after leaving Otorohanga is native Icane held in reasonable areas and ili.» properties of Messrs Holden, Willia, Tomlin, Roygard, and Wallace lu-ar evidence of cultivation on good lines. Beyond theee properties towards the settlement of Rangiatea exists a Dig block of native land which has been acquired from the natives, and is now being sub-divided for close settlement. The land is of the same character as the ordinary fern country of the district, and judging by the results of cultivation showing on the adjoining properties there is an excellennt prospect for new settlers. The Crown settlement commences about ten miles from Otorohanga, and the properties of Mesßre Surcombe, Ingham and Lurman, which are first met with bear striking evidence of good work on the part of the settlers. Further on are the holdings of Messrs Nicholls, Somerville and Corboy, on which excellent work his also been accomplished. Mr Somerville has been in occupation of his property for leas than a year, yet already a considerable area is in grass, while extensive ploughing operations are now in hand. The farm ia now carrying a fine lot of heifers, and it is intended to milk about forty for the Te Kuiti factory during the coming Beason. A feature of the Mangaorongo land ia the manner in which grass takes after the firat working. Really good results have been obtained without manure, but in most cases the settlers are manuring juiicioutly. Clover in the district shows wonderful growth while cocksfoot is also much in favour. The majority of the sections are showing careful working and both root and grain crops are abundantly in evidence. Some of the older Bettled sections bordering the Mangaorongo stream are in great heart and convey some idea as to the future possibilities of the district. Mr D. Ormsby'B property carries a very fine sole of grass and this settler will probably be milking between fifty and Bixy cows during the season. Mr McLuckie has recently taken up a considerable area in the district and ib carrying out a considerable amount of drainage work, while the property of Mssrs Briscoe Bros., which occupies a beautifully sheltered position, is being brought in with sheep. Messrs P. Barton, Onyon and others who oc cupy Borne of the higher ground have dune good works a have Messrs Gorringe and Scawan. The property of Mr Earl, lying north-east of Kio Kio, which has been in occupation about two years, has been well developed and preparations are already in and for milking. Towardß Otorohanga the holdings of Messrs Cornwall, Budg<\ Ellis, Wylie, Wallace, and Ogle Bros., are conupiewjus and the impression is irresiitbly conveyed that the future of the district in respect to dairving is of the brightest possible description.