HASTINGS.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 4139, 28 October 1884, Page 2

HASTINGS.

Shearing is in full swing on several stations about here, but very few bales of wool find their way to tho Hastings railway station. It was pointed out some time ago that if the charges by rail were not reduced moat of the wool would be sent to Napier by drays, as it oould be carried cheaper so, this is nowbeing done, and for every twenty bales that left Hastiugs station last year I do not believe there will be one this year, this will., make a great difference in the railway returns from here, as it means not only the loss of freight on the wool but also on. the return freights taken by the drays. There must be something radically wrong when not only drays, but coaches can compete successfully with the train by carrying goods and passenger* cheaper. There are two things that have lately been mooted for the good of this place, both of which are much, needed, the first is a direct road from here to Redclyffe bridge, thereby giving more direct communication "between here, Pakowhai, Meanee, and Taradale, and the second is the opening of a crossing on the railwayline at the back of Knight Brothers' timber yard. This is really needed for the safety and convenience of the public. The railway authorities do not seem inclined to alter their shunting points to the opposite side of the station where all the shunting could be done without any risk of life or stoppage of traffic. As it now is they are continually shunting across the main road. There is no doubt before long there will be a serious accident, then perhaps the authorities will see fie to do as I have suggested. There havo been more than one narrow escape already. The hopgardens at Mr Tanner's Riverslea estate are beginning to look green, and tho children of the district are already looking forward to the hop-picking season. This industry promises before long to become one of groat importance to the district. Mr Tanner (who never does things by halves) was so satisfied with his last year's experience in this line that he has this year greatly enlarged his plantation and has now 33 acres in hops, last year ho had 10 J- acres which Mr Whibley (to whom I am indebted for my information) informs me paid over thirty per cent, on the outlay. This year acres more have been planted. There are 16i acres planted with Kent goldings, 9Jwith golden grapp, 4£ with late Bumfords, 1 with Colgate's late sort, 1 with Whibley's early goldings, and |- acre with Hinhams early Jones. Tho different sorts are planted so that they will not all be fit for picking at the same time but come on in rotation. There are 30,000 hills, and no less than 42,000 poles are in use. Tho laying out of the ground, planting sets, preparing pcfles, £c., has given employment to a largo numlxw'f persona, and necessitated a large expenditure of money. lam suro all will be glad to hear of ifc turning out a big success, and returning a handsome percentage on the outlay.