TAHAROA ACCESS.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 18024, 20 May 1930, Page 10

TAHAROA ACCESS.

WAHINES ON WARPATH.

EXPLORATION SURVEY OPPOSED. Reminiscent of the days when King Country surveys and road progress was bitterly opposed by Maoris, was the experience of the Kawhia County Engineer last week at. Taharoa (says the Kawhia Settler). Something of the old-time spirit, when the Kawhia harbour beacons were persistently destroyed, and necessitated the protection of a large body of A.C.’s, seemed to be aroused as Mr Fraser with his henchmen •attempted to peg out a road line connecting this isolated settlement with the outside world. Fortunately, it developed merely into wordy warfare, but at one stage the party was surrounded by a bevy of vitriolic viragos, who, armed with wooden “waddies,” threatened active opposition if the work proceeded. It subsequently transpired . that the leader of the ladies resented the proposed road going through her property, as the rest of the tribe might unduly benefit thereby. In accordance with an agreement arrived at between the Kawhia County Council and Sir Apirana Ngata (Native Minister) the’ county engineer carried out an exploring survey of the proposed road connection between Taharoa and the Whakapirau—officially known as the Lemon Pt.-Tc Maika road.

Leaving Kawhia on Tuesday, Mr Fraser approached the problem from the Taharoa end, where the greatest difficulty—a series of swamps, fringing the lake —had to be attacked. From an engineering point of view, the suggestion to seek a route inland was found impracticable, and Mr Fraser was compelled to confine his attention to the matter of crossing a 25-chain swamp of unknown depth, on which there was some feet of more or less floating vegetation. Mr Fraser was soon convinced that this difficulty could be mastered successfully, and immediately commenced to peg off the road line. His activities at once aroused the suspicions of some of the inhabitanats, and following several historical precedents, the ladies took the initiative. It is needless to add they ’had much to say, and, following words with actions, every pole and flag was torn from the ground—the latter into ribbons. However, no personal attack (except verbal) was attempted, and Mr Fraser was able to obtain sufficient data to formulate a report for the Native Minister.