WAIPARI.

Waipa Post, Volume V, Issue 209, 2 May 1913, Page 3

WAIPARI.

(Own Correspondent),

A service was held by Mr O. P. Owen, the Presbyterian minister, at Mata para on the 22:t cl inst., and was fairly well attended. Owing to the short notice several people were absent who would otherwise have been present. At the conclusion of the service a christening was held, Master Natzke being christened. Mr Owen has signified his intention of holding service at Matapara at least once a month, and efforts are to be made to establish a school in the district.

A meeting of settlers was held recently at Matapara, at which several matters of interest were discussed, and it was decided to petition for a remission of rent for four years owing to the roadless and unsurveyed state of the block. It was decided to inquire into several matters connected with the block, and to apply for re-valuation, the present loading being thought far in excess of the value of the land. A committee consisting of Messrs Volker, Walters, Carter, Dobson, and PI. St. Clair was elected to inquire into the expenditure of road grants, Puniu bridge grant, etc. It was also decided to agitate for the establishment of a post'office at the Waipari township, and to have a mail service once a week. After a good deal of discussion the meeting terminated, and, considering it was the first meeting held in the settlement, proved very successful. Bushfelling is now in full swing, and other work is plentiful. The first contracts on the new road are completed, and, with one exception, were passed by the engineer (Mr Worthington). The first contract was regarded as an excellent piece of work, done under very difficult circumstances.

In new settlers we have to welcome Messrs Beard and J. Corrigan, who have taken up sections, and are now residing on them.

The weather is line and cold, the frosty nights playing havoc with the young grass. Master Natzke is slightly better, though still iii a critical condition.