Taranaki Herald 10 October 1895

Pohokura

The sudden change in the weather the last few days, from beautiful
warm to cold and rain with it, is not at all what is to be desired
for the stock, although the season seems to have been much milder
here than nearer Mount Egmont. Lambing is nearly over, and, from
general report, the percentage is very good. Shearing will commence
about the middle of this month, and it is to he hoped sheep owners
will get a better return for their wool than they received the
previous season.

Settlement is making rapid strides along the East or Ohura Road, and
there is a large area of bush being felled from Strathmore to the Ross
Settlement. There is about 3000 acres being felled in the Wangamomona
Valley, as well as several hundred acres by those who have taken up
land under the Improved Special Settlement scheme.

The necessity of someone being appointed, either by the Government
or the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, is becoming
every day more apparent. The way in which the pack-horses and bullocks
are treated is shameful, and the most inhuman treatment is the lot of
the poor anima's [sic]. Along a distance of three miles, a few days
ago, five dead horses were lying on the road. Ill-fed, driven by
inhuman packers, with dogs and more whip than is necessary, at last
worn out they are left to die on the road, there to become a source
of annoyance to travellers. In other parts it is customary to bury
or burn dead carcases, but it is rarely done here. It is only fair to
state that some of the packers do their best with the poor beasts in
their charge, but their employers ought to be made an example of.

We had a visit from Mr JEYNES, the Bush Missionary, a short while
since, and I understand he intends visiting this district regularly.
Some of the clergy might without interfering with their regular duties
pay a visit here.

Mr FOGWILL has been adding to and very much improving the appearance
of his residence. He has lately erected a very substantial and
ornamental fence round the house and laid out the grounds with great
taste. A handsome flagstaff is in course of erection, and when
completed will be an ornament to his place. The internal arrangements
of the dwelling have not been forgotten. Do coming events cast their
shadows before?