FOXTON

Manawatu Standard, Volume LI, Issue 169, 19 June 1931, Page 12

FOXTON

(From Our Own Correspondent.) FOXTON, June 16. Fire totally destroyed the residence of Mr and Mrs B. Everton at Oturoa Settlement at an early hour yesterday morning. Mrs Everton was away at the time but Mr Everton was sleeping on the premises with the boys. He was aroused by the noise of the fire at twenty minutes past three and the occupants barely had time to escape before the dwelling was enveloped in flames. Mr Everton endeavoured to save 6ome of his personal belongings in another room and smashed the window and made his way inside. Ife was forced back, however, and almost suffocated by the smoke. Nothing was saved. For some time the Unemployed Committee and the Chamber of Commerce have been endeavouring to interest the Minister for Native Affairs in the convertion of the Malakarapa swamp, across the river from Foxton, into farming lands for the settlement of Native people. The Minister has now advised the chamber that the proposal has been investigated and it was found that the Matakarapa block contained only 300 acres. The Minister stated, that it was intended to apply funds to development schemes in the Manawatu district, but the sum at his disposal was so small that it would be sufficient only for making a commencement and could not bo used for the purpose of relieving unemployment as was suggested by the Foxton committee, except in an incidental manner. The Minister added, however, that he was having enquiries made into the various schemes suggested and if it was found possible to assist the Foxton proposal to a small extent it would be done.

The fortnightly meeting of the unemployment Committeo was held on Monday, the Mayor (Mr M. E. Perreau) presiding. Correspondence was received from the Unemployment Board regarding the suspension of the No. 5 scheme.

The chairman said that the communication was the most drastic move the comnit'ee had so far to deal with. On the motion of Mr Dawson it was decided to send a telegram to the Prime Minister urging the Government to advance sufficient finance to continue the scheme.