FRASERTOWN NOTES.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 959, 4 August 1903, Page 4

FRASERTOWN NOTES.

(Prom Our Own Correspondent.)

Onco again has the utility of Waikokopu as a port for Wairoa been demonstrated. Quite recently a number of passengers, including the teachers of our local schools, who had to be at their posts by a given date—though hopelessly shut out from Wairoa by bar and sea—were enabled to reach their homes via Waikokopu, with comparative case, even in the present deplorable state of the roads. Given a good metalled road, and putting aside such luxuries as light railways and motors, the journey could have been accomplished with expedition and comfort.' I am told the present condition of the road between Wairoa and Nuhaka, especially, on the flats, is appalling-. It is satisfactory, to note that our County Council are awakening to the importance of a connecting link with Waikokopu. 'At the last ‘ meeting of the Council, Mr 'J. 11. Brown moved that the Engineer be authorised to report on,the cost of a light railway to Waikokopu,-and, strange to say, no one Straws show which way the wind blows. A few ago years had such a motion been brought forward the mover would have boen looked upon as non compos mantis. But the conviction is gradually being borne in upon even the most rabid advocates of a harbor for Wairoa, at Clyde, and nowhere else, that Waikokopu must be the ultimate port for the district. Our local Club is in full swing, under the energetic leadership of Mr M. P. Chapman, who has just been re-elected captain of the Club. A match, between the Club and some of the Hurumua Rifles, has been arranged to take place at the range here on Saturday. The favorable nature of the winter so far|is making glad the hearts of the sheepfarmers. Last winter they had to face heavy losses in sheep, but this if the present favorable weather continues, the death roll will be comparatively light. This, combined with a good lambing and an upward tendency in the price of wool, should restore some of that prosperity which has been so sadly lacking since the slump in wool took place. The contractor is making good pregress with the ereotion of the dairy factory. Bar and other circumstances being favorable everything ought to be in working order by the appointed time.