OPUNAKE. [from our own correspondent.]

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8246, 20 August 1888, Page 2

OPUNAKE. [from our own correspondent.]

August 18. — The failure of the Pair Rent Bill has caused consternation amongst the native leaseholders on the coast. On Tuesday it was determined to wire the members for information, &c, to be laid befora a publio meeting to be held on Thursday. Mr. Samuel, as is hia custom, replied courteously on Wednesday, but the member for Egmont has again displayed the contempt which ho evidently feels for this part of his district. On Thursday a meeting of leaseholders was held at the school. There was a very large attendance of those interested, and after desultory, conversation, in which each stated the difficulty as applying to his own cose, Mr. Elwin was voted to the chair, and on the motion of Mr. J. Pennington, seconded by Mr. J. Morris, the following resolution was carried unanimously :—: — "That this meeting considers unless regulations be made ander which relief from tbe burden of rent agreed to be paid when leasing landß under the West Coast Settlement Act can be obtained, great distress will ensue and many valuable settlers will leave the colony ; that a petition to the EJouse of Representatives be drawn up and signed by those present at this meeting, and forwarded with an explanatory letter to Mr. Samuel." A petition was accordingly drawn up, showing the position of the settlers, and that unless relieved they muut forfeit their many yearo labour and sunk capital, and leave the colony. This was signed by 36 leaseholders and forwarded by Friday's through train to Wellington. The directors of the Dairy Factory Company, having wisely determined not to go into liquidation, have agreed to let the factory for a term, and it is said to have been secured by Mr. J. C. Georgp, at a rental whioh should allow him to work at ii profit. There seems also a ohance of farmers obtaining a large number of cows on fair terms during the ensuing year. At the same time there is little doubt Mr. George will show enterprise in obtaining a wuter supply and working with thut power instead of steam. The factory, being once more in a fair way, there will be renewed hope in the district.

Mr. Stewart, of Waimate Road Board, baa been engaged for the Opunake Town Board, in fixing levels for the curbing and channelling and footpaths, which are to be fixed between Middleton's hotel and the Town Hall. When this work is completed, the water, which has lain in front of the business places, will be iemoved, and the appearance of tbe town to visitors will be much improved.