PERIA.

Northland Age, Volume VI, Issue 3, 6 September 1909, Page 5

PERIA.

(From our own Correspondent.) Tiie Clansman. A very well attended and representative meeting was held in Jecentho’s hall on Saturday, 28th ult. The object of the meeting was to discuss the unsatisfactory conditions under which inland settlers of Mangonui labour owing to the N.S.S. Coy.’s failure to adhere to the time-table mapped out for the Clansman. Mr. George Wilkinson, who convened the meeting, explained that he had called the meeting at the request of the settlers of the district and pointed out that the N.S.S. Coy., when altering the original time-table of the Clansman, had asked the people to give the new order of things a trial and if after a reasonable time the change was not proving satisfactory to notify the Company. It was obvious, the Chairman pointed out, that there was need for improvement in the Clansman’s running and just cause for dissatisfaction among tho settlers who were so inconvenienced by the lateness of the hour that the Clansman made her appearance in Mangonui. Several of the representatives at the meeting averred that the N.S.S. Coy. had broken faith with the people at this end as it is well known that cargo is carried for Russell and Opua on each of the Clansman’s trips North, and it is owing to this breach of agreement on the part of the N.S.S., Coy. that there is delay at this end. Mr. Wilkinson said that he saw no reason why a suggestion should not be made to the N.S.S. Coy. that the hour of the Clansman’s arrival at Mangonui should now be fixed at noon, and that a tender could meet the Clansman in Russell harbour and convey mails and passengers to Russell and Opua. Mr. George Thomas, sen., pointed out that even under the existing arrangements the inland settlers could be better served if their cargo was so arranged in the vessel’s hold that it could he the first to be delivered on the Mangonui wharf, whereas at present it was just as likely to be the last, and those living inland from Mangonui were frequently kept till almost nightfall before being able to get it away.

A committee was finally appointed to communicate with Mr. Ranson, Messrs. A. and W. McKay, J. W. Lambly and John Garton being selected. The Dairy Companies. The annual meeting of the OruruFairburn Dairy Coy. was held in Jecentho’s hall on the 28th ult. and disclosed a very satisfactory year’s working. Speaking only yesterday to one of the Kaitaia suppliers he explained that the yearly output of Oruru and Kaitaia butter represented the importation of about £IO,OOO of new money annually to these two districts. Home separation has now so fully established itself that from year to year the increase should be very appreciable. I am given to understand that one or two settlers on the Victoria Valley road intend supplying cream to the Oruru factory this season. Auction Sale. On Tuesday last Mr. John Garton held a very successful sale, of Mr. Rowe’s effects, at Oruru. The weather was just execrable but was not sufficient to keep away a goodly muster. Whether it was Mr. Rowe’s popularity, the rain, or the class of goods offered I wot not, but every article offered, from a tin of dried beans to a good piece of furniture, commanded keen competition and I think Mr. Row 3 was more than satisfied with the prices realised. Mr. W. Wilkinson secured the sulky and horse at a figure quite satisfactory, I should thiuk, to the buyer.

The Peria Maori Women’s Society. The Maori Women’s Benefit Society, of Peria, despatched to Auckland some two weeks ago ten sacks of kumaras for the Maori girls attending the Viotoria College. A letter has been received from tho Principal of the College thanking the donors for their substantial gift. String. Budding willows and blossoming fruit trees herald the advent of Spring. The weather latoly, however, has been anything but spring-like, some of the zephyrs being, as I once heard a man affirm, “as cold as a step-mother’s breath.” Joe Francis. I am pleased to notice that Oruru’s “ Son of Vulcan ” has returned to his home and trust that the clang of his anvil will soon ring out his permanent recovery. During Mr. Francis’s absence Mr. Efford, of Mangonui, has had charge of the smithy on Saturdays. The Milking Season. The wheels of the Oruru Dairy Factory will shortly be put in motion. The new manager, Mr. Valder, is now busy getting things in readiness for the coming season.