KAITAIA. v. HEREKINO.

Northland Age, Volume 19, Issue 33, 17 November 1921, Page 6

KAITAIA. v. HEREKINO.

(By “Civis.”) When separation from Hokianga was accomplished, some wary residents of Herekino suspected they were being transferred from the “Rawene frying pan” into the “Kaitaia fire.” And after several years practical experience of Mangonui County administration, it is evident that, their only prospect of obtaining their rights as a component part of that County is, by securing a specified area wherein their financial interests will not be subject to the caprices, or injustice incidental to the narrow selfishness apparently inseparable from communities in rural districts concentrated in embryo towns; (such as those of Kaitaia, Awanui, and Mangonui) as illustrated in a Leading Article appearing in the “Northland Age” of October 13th. Therein we are told that “the proper, and natural means of communication with the outer world for the people of Herekino, W hangape, and surrounding districts is via the East, and not the West Coast. For goods traffic Awanui, or perhaps later (this will probably be the chief bone of contention) a deep water Port is the natural outlet and inlet.” Of course the probability of a Canal connecting the east, and west coasts is ignored. But apart from that important phase of the subject matter, any imprejudiced observer must admit that distance by road especially; and also by water is an extremely important factor that cannot wisely be overlooked. Herekino, and the adjacent districts are situated within a radius of about 15 miles from the Port of Wbangape by road or tidal river. From that Port to Auckland via Helensville is about no miles; or 15 hours from Whangape by Steamer and Train to Auckland. Whereas Awanui is 200 miles by water to the latter City, and 30 miles by road from Whangape. A comprehensive view of the subject; including the geographical position of the Herekino, and Whangape districts, will show that residents are perfectly justified in objecting to domination by any factional community in the Mangonui County. And, if their justdemands are not conceded by the Councillors, then a disintegrating greivance is established, and the only alternative for gaining the objectives of the people of Herekino, and the adjacent districts is, to persistently petition Parliament until .their rights are definitively assured.