RIVER STEAMER FOR THE MOKAU.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LX, Issue 143785, 8 May 1912, Page 3

RIVER STEAMER FOR THE MOKAU.

(Special to Herald.)

MOKAU, .May 8.

A most successful trial spin of tho new river steamer Paniran, for tho Alokau, was made last week. Tlie steamer, which was put together at Alokau, is twin screw, tunnel built, with two 10 h.p. oil engines, calculated to drive her at a speed of 10 to 12 miles per hour. Air. L. Jacob and party left Alokau early last Wednesday with a cargo of wire for Mr. Purdio, who lives twenty miles above the Alokau mines. The river was in high flood, and so navigation was easy, as all snags were submerged. A good passage was made to the mines, and after a short stop there, tho steamer left at 2 p.m., and Air. Purdic’s was reached shortly before dark. Air. Purdie was down at tho landing, and gare the steamer’s crew a very hearty welcome, expressing his delight at being the first to congratulate Mr. L. Jacob upon his enterprise. Mr. Purdio pointed out the importance of such a service. The Aria settlement could be seen some four miles away from tho Pnkiekie River, which runs into tho Alokau. At present the traffic from Te Kniti to Aria is blocked on account of the bad state of the road, and if tho proposed road from Aria to the river were completed the river would provide a practical winter route for getting in stores and sending produce away.

Tlie steamer stopped the night at the landing, some sleeping on board. Next morning 64 sacks of grass seed from Alessrs. Chambers Bros.’ Alatai Estate were loaded, and lauded in an hour and a half at tho Alangapapa homestead, just above the mines.

This trip shows the necessity for a proper snagging of tlie upper reaches, and the Hon. Mr. Lanrenson, who lately visited the Mokau, and who was very much impressed with its possibilities, has been asked for a substantial amount to be placed on tho Estimates for this purpose.