Mangahao and Ballance.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume II, Issue 177, 20 July 1894, Page 2

Mangahao and Ballance.

(Bjr our Travelling Representative)

A ride of four miles from Pahiatua along a very good road, the only obstacle being tiie Mangatainka river which is forded a few chains below the swing bridge, brings you to the banks of the Mang&hao river, where the dwelling of Mr Dawson is situated. This gentleman was very busy making some additions to his house. Leaving Mr Dawson’s, you have another ford to cross, which for this time of the year was not exceptionally deep. The new cage constructed by the County Council is a grwat acquisition after the antiquated one that it replaced. A chain or so along the road is the general store and butchery of Mr Sinclair, who has a splendid stock of groceries, drapery, and ironmongery. Half a mile further on towards Ballance, the property of Messrs Barker Bros, is approached. These gentlemen are busy draining the fiat near their house. It is rather wet, so the drainage will be a good improvement. Some distance along the road on the left Mr Baywell’s section is situated. I found him fencing in a four acre patch that he intends planting with fruit trees. He very much regrets that he had not started to improve his place in this manner two years ago, but wHI no doubt make a remarkable alteration in the course of a few months. Right opposite is Mr Hoi da way’s, where the owner is bushfelling. When the timber is laid low on this property Mr Holdaw&y is going to fell 40 acres on another section that he has near the cage before mentioned. Leaving this plaee the next and far from least important to the settlers is the dairy factory, under the management of Mr Palmer, who is making butter boxes and generally preparing for the ensuing season. Lie informed me that be expects a much larger supply next September than passed through the factory last season. This factory eouid not have been placed in a more satisfactory spot, as there is a beautifully clear stream running right alongside it. The post office and general store of Mrs Murphy is the next place of interest. This is u first-class store, and having the post office located there must help the business along. There were & couple of notices on the board outside, one calling the attention of the settlers to the fact that the school committee were going to have a day eut in the school ground on Arbor Day, when a stump extractor will be brought into requsition. A visit to the scboolbouse soon put aside any doubt one might have as to the health of the children of the district. Mr Mackintosh has over 40 children under tuition, and.steps are being taken to procure a pupil teacher. No doubt the matter will be satisfactorily arranged, as the attendance warrants it. Mr Jolly was busy logging up preparatory to planting a crop of potatoes. He has started bee-farming, having a large number of hives. Some distance on Mr Barton's new dwelling is noted. This place is without doubt beautifully situated, having some acres of exceptionally fiat land all round it. A party of four are to be found stumping and logging up. Mr Barton has decided to plant a large orchard, and in a few years this property will be one of the most valuable in the district. On the way back the new house of Mr Foster was sighted, and riding through his place towards Mr Crawford's, yours truly was vary much startled by a loud report closely followed by a shower of shattered timber which fell all around me. Fortunately I was not damaged in any way, thus being spared to infiiet this effusion on a long suffering public. The third of a series of concerts in aid of the organ fund will take place early in August. A public meeting* is called for an early date to make an application to tho Commissioner of Crown Lands for n section on which to erect a Public Hall. There is no doubt the Commissioner will grant the application. The only matter that the settlers seem really anxious about is the mail service. At present the mail arrives and departs twice a week, Wednesdays and Saturdays. As Mr Hall M.11.K., is moving in the matter, they hope to have a mail service three times a week nt least. This district is one of the finest in the bush, and taking into consideration the fact that three years ago the only habitations were whares, which are now replaced by comfortable dwellings surrounded with trees of all descriptions, the settlers are to be complimented on tho determination and energyufhown. A trip through this district will open the eyes of many, and t«Ach them a lesson in the art of making a home for themselves and familiee. (To be continued).