THE HUB OF THE WAIKATO.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1739, 2 May 1913, Page 6

THE HUB OF THE WAIKATO.

HAMILTON FORGING AHEAD, Rer.iarkablo optimism and buoyancy prevail in Hamilton, the hub of the Waikato (states the Auckland "Herald's" special reporter). Tlio industrial growth of this prosperous Main Trunk town is indeed little short of astonishing. Its faino as A fanning and business centre is spreading to such an extent that its population is being rapidly, swelled by a steady influx, much of which is coining from the south. Already many Auckland retail firms have opened branches in the main street, and the wholesale merchants are beginning to look for sites in Hamilton whereon to erect branch warehouses. The factors accounting for this flourishing condition of the town are its well-settled surrounding country and its proximity to the Main Trunk, junction at Franktoii, and its railway connections with the Rotorua and Thames districts.

Dairying is the mainstay of Hamilton; though, of course, stock and wool are playing a highly important part in the development of this great sub-province of South Auckland. A large extent of land in the back has been brought in, which a few years ago was deemed worthless. This once-despised country is now carrying maliy families', and it is this which 'is standing to the Waikato. A number of people who bought land here eight years or so ago, and afterwards sold out at a good figure, are now back in t-ho district again. Such districts as Matangi, Tauwiiare, Rototuna, Gordonton, Wliatawliata, Tuilcareina, Oliaupo, and Tanialiere, rich in dairying country and covering a large area, are amongst the most important contributors towards Hamilton's prosperity.

Further out the Waitatuna, Raglan, Waingaro, Jlatamata, and Morrinsvillo districts are supplying a big output of wool. The Waikato also claims to raise the best fat stock in New Zealand, and n remarkably big turnover of slock takes place at each weekly sale ill Hamilton. On the whole, it may therefore be safely said of the hub of Hie Waikato Hint it is essentially a farmers' town.