PONGAKAWA SETTLEMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10048, 7 February 1896, Page 3

PONGAKAWA SETTLEMENT.

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS.

After waiting patiently so very long we- 1 have at last lmd Mr. Mueller, Commissioner of Crown Lands, to examhio the Waihi Swamp, which lies between us and Maketu, onr port. Mr. Mueller, also Mr. Baber and some of the settlors, went into the swamp for half-mile or more along the surveyor s line that was cut some five years ago. The land was tested in many places, each test showed many feet of decayed vegetation, proving it is splendid land. As far as we went it was firm land and dry, and Mr. Baber stated it was similar to that soeu all along j tlio line, and which was satisfactory. Three or four feet on top is solid, underneath it is wet. There is a very heavy growth, 10 or 12 feot high, of largo tussock or cutty grass, flax, tea-treo, rushes, etc. Mi'. Mueller has decided to urge the Government to have an experimental drain made at once, to take the water into the Kaikokopu River from several streams that now have no outlet, but empty into the swamp. It is only reason•able to suppose that when it is done, It will nearly, if not quite, drain the land which will oe very valuable for settlement when drained. It is estimated 5000 acres or more can be drained which will carry many settlers, being so rich. It is earnestly hoped, the Government will grant the money to have a good drain made at once, now it is proved the land is good, and there is plenty of fall, for the want of a road across this swamp has bien a very severe loss to settlers here, tor it is the only practical, outlet from this settlement, also the Crown fands at the back, to Maketu, our port. It is a pity Mr. Mueller has not time to inspect tho pastures and crops now growing here, to seo now productive the land is here. Although we have had now nearly nine weeks' not, dry weather (only one tempest shower), yet our pastures are still greonand growing. Maize, clover, and ryegrass crops are looking splendid. This land does noe burn up during unusual dry weather. Cattle and sheep do well, are healthy, and free from disease, which is very important. It only needs the road made across the swamp to make the settlement prosperous.-[A Correspondent,] /

Writing to Messrs. Mansell and Co., of Shrewsbury, the secretary of the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria said:— "The Shropshires are coming fast into favour in this country. There were fortyeight entries at our late show." At a meeting of the Manchester City Council ib was announced that Sir Henry de Trafford had promised to give the use of Trafford Park for the Royal Agricultural Show at Manchester in 1897- It was stated to bo equal to a gift) of at least) £500. In England a company has been formed to supply pies 71b in weight, and composed of meat, wheat, and vegetables, all English produce. The cost will be Is each, with an additional penny for delivery. A daily supply throughout the country is .promisod. . 3a lid will buy a pair of men's good serge trousers; 4s 6d will buy a pair of men's tweed trousers, any size. Rnshbrook's Sale.-Cash only. Messrs. Cooper andEwington acknowledge with thanks the following donations towards a picnic for the inmates of the Luuatic Asylum, on 13th inst.: —E. Hesketh, £1 Is; Button and Buddie, 10s; A. Hanna, ss; D.W.D., 10s; J. fl. Lawford, ss; W. S. Wilson, 103; F. E. Baumo, 10a; R. A.. Lusher, 2s 6d; Hugh Campbell, ss; J. T. Julian, 2s 6d; T. L. Murray, os; A. Denniston, 2a 6d; Hon. W. Jennings, 2s 6d; Hon. G. B. Morris, 2s 6d; E. A. Mtvckechnie, ss; O. Nicholson, 5s ; Friend, 2s 6d; P. Earl, 2s Gd; W. Tait, 2s 6d; W. J. Speight, 2a 6d; J. A. Beale, 2s 6d; Captain Frater 2s 6d; T. F. Cftbill, 2a (3d; E. W, Burton, 2s 6d; S. Vaile.Ss; R. C. Carr, 2a; S. J. Ambury, 2s Cd; C. R. Williamson, 2s; Jas. Slate, la • H. J. Baulf, 2s; A.H., 2s; Arthur Nathan, 53; E. Lewis, 2a 6d; H. P. Norton, 2s 6d; Jackson Palmer. 2a 64; W, Cflwthw, 2s 6(1; 2MKL ~»