NGAROMA.

Waipa Post, Volume VI, Issue 309, 28 April 1914, Page 3

NGAROMA.

(Own Correspondent.)

The roading, clearing and grassing of the Whan-puhanga-Extension is still going on, and the Waipari end of the block has recently been raised to the dignity of a postal district with a new post office enjoying the euphonious name of Ngaroma. Last week Mr J. A. Young, M.P., paid an official visit to the district, and had a conference with a well-attended and representative gathering of the settlers. Mr A. S. Graham was appointed to preside over the proceedings. Among the many matters discussed was that of an extension of the telephone from Matapara, also an improved mail service. Mr Young recognised the urgency of the telephone to the backblock settler, and assured those present that the Government was anxious to make life on the frontiers of settlement as agreeable as possible, and as soon as they complied with the necessary conditions in their application steps would be taken to carry the line on to Ngaroma. The settlers decided to take the requisite procedure. The need for erecting the Puniu Bridge at Wharepuhanga was discussed, and Mr Young explained that the Minister of Public Works had authorised the work, and that the delay was due to the Department awaiting certain information respecting the nature of the foundations prior to pile driving. He had urged upon the Hon. Mr Fraser the need of the bridge. The matter of a school for the district was mentioned, and Mr Young advised as to the best vmanner to proceed*. He promised to see Mr Geo. Edgecumbe of Hamilton, the Education Board member for their district and, place the matter before him with a view to assisting them to obtain the necessary school-house accomodation. Inspector Mcllraith had visited the district, and it is understood he will report to the Auckland Education Board. The question of the roading of the block came up for discussion, and at Mr Young’s suggestion it was proposed by Mr A. Thomas and seconded by Mr F. C. Ashby “That this meeting approves of the resolve of the Government to push on the roading of the block without delay.” An amendment was moved but lapsed for want of a seconder. It was pointed out that if there were any settlers on the block who required work, that there was plenty offering in the district by many of the selectors. The resolution was then carried unanimously. At the instance of Mr E. J. Walter, it was decided to form a Settlers’ Association in the district, and A. Thomas, A. S. Graham, and B. May, with Mr A. Walter as honorary secretary, were appointed a committee to promote an assoi ciation and call a subsequent meeting.

Mr Young delivered a short address on general politics, and on the resolution of Mr Walter, seconded by Mr Ashby, was accorded a very hearty vote of thanks for his visit and the interest he had shown in the welfare of the district.