WAVERLEY.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XIII, Issue 3133, 22 May 1878, Page 2

WAVERLEY.

(From our own correspondent).

May 20, 3878.

jtfothiug so conclusively proves the advancement made' by these districts as the prices realized for land. Buyers are ever in excess of the quantity offered, consequently tho value is always on the increase. Some five years ago, when the Railway Reseive was cut up and subnutted for public competition, it was snapped up at prices which wero then considered enormous. However, those who were fortunate enough to buy then could sell them now at four times the amount paid. The late sales at Patea I have been very successful. Buyers were attracted from all parts, Wellington and New Plymonth were represented, as also intermediate port 3, the result being a crowd. All the sections offered were disposed of, and realized in most cases, more than double the npset price ; many would be buyers had to return unsatisfied, and all, like Oliver Twist, greedily cry for more. It is to be hoped that the Government will lose no time in putting the Momahaki-Block in the market after the survey is finished, or what would bo still better, complete the survey of a section of the Block nnd offer for sale at once ; buyers would not be wanting and settlement would be going on whilst another portion of theßlock was being propared for the market, the value of which would be enhanced by the occupation of the adjoining sections. The surveyors have found a good road across the Momohsiki Gorge, thus removing the only difficulty which was likely to interfere with the spepdy settlement of this Block. I see that Mr Ballance in alluding to the Momohaki said that a portion would be set aside for sale on the system of deferred payments. This information ia received here with pleasure, and as the hon. gentleman ia a member of the Government there can be no further doubt in the matter. It has always seemed unfair to me, that persons living in the country have not had better opportunities for acquiring land on easy terms. Immigrants have on several occasions had opportunities in their direction from which colonists have been debarred. A liberal system of deferred payments would be appreciated by colonists generally. On looking over the statistics which

have been published for this district, one ' cannot avoid a feeling of surprise at tho large populetion (comparatively) between the Waitotara and Whenuakura Eirera. It appears that there are nearly as many people between the abovo rivers as there are between the NYhenuakura and the Wniangangoro, which of course includes the townships of Oarlyle, Hawera, and Normanby, not forgetting Manutahi and Kakaramea, it therefore follows that as the area of tho latter is twice as much as the former, the land here must be mora thickly populated. This being the case it would naturally be supposed that public institutioHß would thrive vigorously, but such is not the case, and in this particular we compare unfavorably with our neighbours. A church we certainly have, and as all will admit, a very handsome one. Our school has become already too small for tha number of scholars, and I hear that the Education Board intend to make an addition immediately. A Town Hall we also hare, but so small that it is almost useless for public purpoaes. I hear that a committee has been appointed to go into ways and means for procuring a larger building'; may success attend their efforts. Tha formation of a company has been mooted and should the idea be carried out I feel every confidence in its success, even from a pecuniary point of VJOW.

When Mr Sheohan passed through hero he was waited upon by a deputation chosen bj the settlers, and amongst other matters the establishment of an R.M. Court was brought before him. Mr Sheehan promised that if the use of the Town Hall was granted free of charge, the wishes of the rettler3 would bo complied with. The guarantee has been given, but nothing has Bince been heard of the matter, probably the request has been completely forgotten. The Town Board appear to be going on with their duties as speedily as circumstances will allow. The Town Belt has been surveyed and cut up into small paddocks, these are to be submitted at auction very shortly. Three quarters of a chain has beeu reserved along the outer boundary of the Belt for planting forest and ;ornamental trees, thus providing shelterj and also, should a judicious choice be made of treas, a source of revenue in the future. That portion of the belt which fronts the Main Koad is set off inquarter-Acre lota, and I believe it is the intention of the Board to give as long a lease as possible with these, so as to enccurage building.