MATAMATA ITEMS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13455, 6 April 1907, Page 3

MATAMATA ITEMS.

[FROM OUR OWN" CORRESPONDENT.] The leasehold of several more very large areas of local flax lias: just been acquired by various flaxmilling firms, the rentals in every ease being highly satisfactory to the owners of the land. The flax industry is very brisk all over this part of the country.

Mr. 0. O. Ofcwav, engineer for the llunguium pa Drainage Board, has for some time been in the swamp pegging, chaining, and levelling, and in consequence the contracts, five in number, are now out for the constructing, widening, and deepening of over eight miles of drains. Another Thames Valley drainage schemo of considerable magnitude is at present being discussed.

Several local settlers in both Waharoa and Mateiinata intend during the ensuing winter to sond milk by train to Rotoru*, where, it, is understood this commodity will find a ready market at very remunerative prices. Nat withstanding the, temporary lull in tho price of nutter, Mr. D. I'txighy, of the Gordon settlement, is at present arranging to considerably increase his already large herd of dairy cows for the opening of next setsoa. Mr. Foughy has just had erected a most commodious and up-to dato cowshed, which contains 20 baiis, and is replete with every modern convenience. Most of the Gordon, Wardville, and ilanawarn settlers are still quite optimistic in regard to the future of tho dairying industry in this locality, and accordingly intend to increase their herds of milch cows during the ensuing season. Mr. Wright, of Waharoa, lias al°o had a fine large up-to-dato siied built quite recently, and many of the* Wardville settlers are making arrangements ro do likewise. An active effort is now being made by various local bodies on both sides of the range to prevail upon the Government to take such steps as will render the Kaimai track fit for stock traffic. It is generally supposed that the carrying into effect of this proposal would bare a very beneficial intuejice upon both tho Matamata and Cambridge markets, as well as being of considerable advantage tc the Tauranga side settlers, who are at present to a great extent dependent upon the Waikato for their supply of store cattle.

The annual meeting o the Matamata branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union was held in the Settlers' Hall on Saturday evening, the 23rd lilt., Mr. J. Simpson in the chair, and an exceptionally large number present. The secretary read the report and balance-sheet, the former being most satisfactory. and the latter showing a credit of £5 0s lOd. The report stated that this branch had during the past year contributed £12 10s to the general colonial fund, which is the largest sum received from any Auckland branch. This speaks well for the progress and success of a comparatively new branch. The following gentlemen wero elected to th<* various offices during the ensuing year:—Mr. A. A. Bowler, chairman; Mr. J. Pohleu, vice-chairman; Mr. Sydney Gunn, hon. secretary; Mr. 11. Mog-ford. treasurer: Mr. Alex. Woi'ks, auditor; Messrs. E. Bowler. T. McNair. W. Stoup, •T. H. Johnston, .T. Anderson, .T. Simpson, G. O. Banks, and G Smith, management committee. A number of new members wero added, and a vote of thanks- to the outgoing officers and committee brought the proceedings to a close. This branch now promises to be one of the most prosperous and influential in the colony.