KETEMARAE.

Patea Mail, Volume I, Issue 67, 1 December 1875, Page 3

KETEMARAE.

(from 01' u own correspondent.) I’lie now township of Normanhy is fast assuming .a more civilise! appearance. Already two substantial cottages have been erected by your old friend Mr Felix Hunger, who, your readers will remember, recently returned from hi- native land (Switzerland), with a batch of his own countrymen, a portion of whom are located here, and the remainder in New Plymouth. Mr John Trewcek has just completed a very neat and commodious little butcher’s shop, having transferred his business from Hawera, the increasing trade in this locality necessitating a local estab’ishment. I believe a bakery is also to be proceeded with immediately. Tim plans for a 'arge hotel, have been prepaid. It will contain about eighteen compartments, ft is understood that Mr G. F. Sherwood is to tie the landlord. Other buildings intended for various purposes, are either in course of erection or contemplated. All we want how is the Mountain Road to be r '-commenced, which will undoubtedly givt the place a fresh impulse. The embryo township of Inglewood (locs not seem to find much favour in the eyes of the working class Numbers are finding their way thiough here weekly, in * most cases hard-up. If not able to obtain employ-men" here, they must inevitably go on to Wanganui, whore labor is scarce even now owing no doubt to the numerous Government works being pushed on. A person, just returned from Inglewood, informs mo that the w irking population there have only averaged two day's per week during the last five months of inclement weather. The population is composed chiefly of Scandinavians, and those employed on Government works receive six shillings per diem, wot weather not allowed, consequently they are not earning more than common necessities. A small party arc at work, clearing the track on the other side of the Patea river, distant about fourteen miles from this end. The Ketemarae saw-mill is now in active operation, and averaging over 2,000 feet dcr day, which will be materially increased on the arrival of the new saw-bench which is on its way from Auckland. A 4ft circular saw has also been added to the plant. Great praise is duo to its proprietor for his energy and perseverance in bringing such an important industry to such perfection. He has had to contend with innumerable difficulties, which only Ids patience and ability have surmounted. Mr Wilson is erecting several cottages on his estate, for the married portion of his employees. About sixteen hands are in Coh’sfant employment. The Ketemarae-Waihi School house ■which* is on Woller’s laud, and just outside the township of Normanhy, is being proceeded with. Mr Symes is the contractor, ah(,l the, Board may rely on full justice teing done to the building. While on this subject, I may mention that the Hoard might have chosen a more suitable spot for its erection, it being convenient for no one. A school reserve Iras been Bft aside in Normanhy, directly opposite McGregor’s store, and ,1 do iifof see any * reason, why the Board should libt avail itself of this chance, although it is father late now, to move in'the matter!