WOODVILLE.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 4091, 1 September 1884, Page 4

WOODVILLE.

[l'ROil OUR OAVN CORRESPONDENT.] Tuesday. On Friday afternoon last Aye experienced a considerable fall of snow. Avhich was thicker than any I have seen iv the North Island. It Ho'on thawed, however, and thcro was very little left on tho ground by Saturday morning. Two sharp shocks oE earthquake were ■felfc on Sunday morning, the first, 'which was tho strongest, occurring at about 5.30, aud the second about hall'-an-hour later.

The direction seemed to be from the southwest to the north-east. It will be remembered that the last heavy shake took place a year or two ago, at just this season or a little earlier.

Tho settlers have not taken any definite action yet Avith regard to the opening of the Cheese' Factory. Since my last the committee which was appointed to make a canvass of the farmers, in order to ascertain the amount of milk that would be supplied, have submitted their report, which shows that tho milk supply, unless very much increased, Avill not be sufficient to keep the factory going. The directors thereupon passed a resolution to the effect that until the requisite quantity of milk was forthcoming they would not open the factory. This has been considered by some as paramount to the complete closing of the buildings for the ensuing season. But I do not think that there is reason to come to that conclusion so hastily. True the committee saw all tho likely milk producers, and the amounts produced arc insufficient for theAvorking of the factory on a scale largo enough to paj*. But, still, this does not show that tho factory will not be opened. I cannot see Avhy fiVo or six of the principal milk-producers should not combine together aud work tho concern on the cooperative principle, taking in as much milk its outsiders care to bring in, and giving them their proportion of the receipts. In this Avay tho affair could bo managed by the producers, thus saving tho cost of a paid professional manager. The company Avould, I believe, consider any proposals of tho sort when the building's tiro complete, and Avould be willing probably to lease them at a very low rent. At any rate, the aim of the directors is achieved. They promised several outsiders, Avho took up shares, and the settlers that tho buildings would be ready for use this season, aud they will be so in a very short time. The settlers will then have what they Avanted, and it only remains for them to make use of it or let'it alone. For my part I should be only too pleased to hear that our farmers are too independent and avcll off to require to sell their milk, but I am afraid such a thingis too good to be true, and don't mind predicting that the cheese factory does work in some way or other for at least a portion of this season. Some of those in the immediate vicinity of it arc thoroughly acquainted with cheese making, and there is no reason avliv a few of them should not cooperate in the Avay I have said, and appoint one of their number as cheese-maker, the bulk of the Avork being undertaken by members of their families. Tho thing is feasible, and could be done at one-half the cost that the company Avould be put to.

In my last I mentioned that the section opposite the Bank of Ncav Zealand Avas supposed to have been sold. My authority was the common rumour, Avhich, though not yet publicly confirmed, will, I bcliwe, turn out correct. Whether the Woodville Examiner is correct in its belief that the purchaser is the Bank of Australasia is not 4 will not say, but I fancy not. There is no use forestalling events, however, and no doubt in a few days the whole mystery will be solved, Avhen perhaps it might even turn out that the Union Bank of Australia are the new arrivals !

Tho site for the railway station has not yet been fixed, and people hero are vat v rally annoyed at (he long delay in tho matter. When it is remembered how railway stations have changed tbu business positions in other places, it is only natural that those Avho propose erecting buildings .should have some idea where their property .should be placed in order to be permanently in a good position. The Roman Catholic Chapel is now Hearing completion, and promises to be a very good little building indeed. It stands on the south side of the road entering the Woodville township, and, being built on a gentle rise, commands a very pretty view of the suburban and town sections. Some of the local Catholics have displayed great energy in collecting- money to swell tho fund.

A handsome sum of money has been collected in aid of the parsonage fund at Danevirke, amounting, I believe, to nearly £400, but sonic more is still required to complete the buildings, as there are many contingent expenses which have to be met, besides the actual house, before any dwellingcan be made comfortable. Mere is an opportunity for Napier landoAvners in this district to assist in a very much needed work.

I also hear that the Rev. E. Robertshaw, under Avhose charge tho Danevirke school has hitherto been, intends resigning that position on account of tho increased responsibilities which fall upon him arising from the rapid growth of his clerical district.