Round the Coast.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 12867, 27 May 1905, Page 8

Round the Coast.

A DIUVIMJ EXPEDITION.

The advantages obtained by journeying in a trap round the Mountain over a train trip are many, and though the discomforts of rain and wind are very obvious the knowledge and experience gained are a full compensation, to say nothing of the benefit of the ozone inhaled against the carbonic acid gas of the railway carriage. Taking a journey south from Warea one is able to see the development of the lands of the district, and when calling at the various townships one is able from the road to o-ct a glimjise of their domestic politics which is denied from the railway

Kahotu is receiving great benefit from the opening of the native lands towards the mountain, and the inhabitants have already aspirations in advance of Road Board matters. Still the great local question there centres on that useful body and its actions. Lately, in conversation with its overseer, a question has arisen as, to whether the duties are compatible with the work of an extensive horsodoaling business. Thu road soon leads to the more extensive town of Opunake. Here aspirations are of a higher order, and the Road Board drifts into the county and municipality. The raiu and wind only all owi of a short stay, during which the evergreen question of merging the Road Board into the county is^shown (to be still of paramount importance. Years ago the harbour and wharf were all absorbing. Now those niatters give place to the ' possibility of a line of railway to Eltham.

Otakeho has only a minor existence, and is the home of no public body, so the school and the , management of the hall come in to provide the elements o£ local politics. The great question now on the i tapis between Wanaia and Hawera is in the County Council, which is under the ward system. A cursory conversation gathered that the central ward, having its roads travelled on by vehicles belonging to the outlying parts, considers that its rates should be reduced and supplemented, by an increased contribution from the surrounding wards. Thi<? question is in its infancy and appears to be about to form a very pretty local dispute.

The road from Hawem) to Patea. with its succession of gorges, enables time to bo taken for the reflection that all towns and their local politics and 'disputes are much alike in character, only differing in subject, degree ami intensity. The advent of a string of electric lights show Patea to be close, and the 'delay in the iournev of a day or two enables more than a passing glimpse to be taken of this x anciont town and its domestic internal questions.

Pat on is a town of antiquity and in nnriont times tisiVl aspirations of a vnry hiph order, as is exemplified by the banks rmd other public institutions. When in its prime Patea had a hiffh position as a coastal township. For years it suffered a depression almost yercrinir on annihilation, but of late years this stag-nation has {riven place to a new vitality, so vigorous as to be almost ineom'prehensible to the old identities. The vigor and life which enabled the inhaibStants to orn&r* and realize the fact that a freezing works and transport of butter to Wellington worp a possibility and a certainty was only the precursor of now energy, which developed into a scheme for making the river a permanent waterway independent of bar and drifting sand. This scheme was put in hand about three years since and now a breakwater has been extended from the northern head to a flistance of 500 loot, the construction being done with rows of hollow concrete blocks, having the centres filled with solid cement after the blocks are in situ : thus enabling larger blocks to be placed with a smaller crane. The works so far are showing that, when eomlpleto, the object will thoroughly bo obtained. At present the cost rims into about £20 nor lineal foot, and the Harbour Board anticipate going about another lao loot further to | make a certain job. and also to do' some work on the south head. A further loan of at most £10,000 is anticipated to complete all works and leave a sum for improving the river reaches. Patea also rejoices in two brick works. the produce of which | may constantly be seen travelling ; north and south on the railway, be- , <ndos providing material for local re- , nuirements. noticeable in a recent . building by the firm of "R. A. Atfams j , ul f,l Co. The ment works have late- I 1y taken a new start,, nnd the ab- ! s'enco of several cows, beyond the J

period of profitable milking, from the > oastal paddocks, is (hie to the mr[in"remen(s of this institution for raw material. The great feature of Patea is the electric light, which at present forms a burning question in the town. So far, while adding to the brilliancy of the evenings, it seems there is a doubt in the minds of some Councillors as to whether the light is paid for by the price charged for its consumption, or by a supplementary grant from borough funds. This doubt is causing a section of the Council to question the management of the light from the inception of the scheme to the presort date. Unfortunately the Government system of audit mixes the electric with the borough accounts in such a manner that none but exiperts can identify the different items of expenditure. This causes now member** of the Borough Council on their initiation, to have many sleepless nights and much perturbation of spirit in ferreting troubles which resolve themselves into mares' nests, besides being a very useless business to dive into matters on which only a one-sided position can be taken in consequence of the absence of the chief actors and the want of their explanation. Still the energy and ability displayed by people devoting their, time night after night to elevating the well-being of their home town and district, is worthy of all praise, and should be the source of credit rather than abuse. ) Patea) lacks one evidence of an advanced town, in that no copy of either the Herald or Budget is obtainable after an early hour on Saturday evening. Were a few copies) / distributed 1 amongst the Councillors. Harbour Board members, and otKer local politicians, it is probable their meetings Would be more profitable, , and the example of a sister town would load to advanced results.