The Feilding Star. THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1885. Our Neighbors and Ourselves

Feilding Star, 11 June 1885, Page 2

The Feilding Star. THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1885. Our Neighbors and Ourselves

One of the best " signs of the times " in the Borough of Feilding is the amount of enterprise which is being displayed on all 6ides by individuals, and by the community as a whole. The feelings of apathy and indifference which are almost invariably the consequences of dullness in trade and bad markets for local produce, appear to be disappearing before the inspiring breath of improving briskness in business, and the greater demand for timber, farm produce, and great or small cattle — the staple products of the Manchester Block. The change is a very aggreeable one in every sense. A greater feeling of confidence is generated, and " all sorts and conditions of men " go about their business or work with a lighter heart than when those around them are oppressed with the gloomy forebodings which are the natural results of commercial stagnation in a town or settlement. Among other things it may be observed that more real interest is now taken in Borough matters than formerly ; that any meeting called for a public purpose is well attended, while greater punctuality is shown. We may instance th« meeting of insurers a few nights ago, the beneficial results of which have yet to be felt ; but that these will follow we have every confidence, from the business - like manner in which the course to be pursued was laid down, and the determination displayed to follow that course. The meeting of business people and settlers whose object was to form a Building Society also promises to bear good fruit. The benefits to be derived from such an association are patent to all who have had experience of their working, or management, and are valuable to both the shareholders and the district where they are established on a firm footing, and conducted on economic business principles. We are assured that such will be the principles exercised in the case here. It has been pointed out to us that our business men, who, with commendable prudence, have been keeping their stocks as low as it was possible consistent with the ordinary regular demand, have found that the supplies of winter goods, ordered at the beginning of the season as sufficient for their ordinary trade, have already been exhausted, and that fresh consignments hare therefore been made compulsory. .It is worthy of note in this connection that the winter so far has been exceptionally mild, and the trade has not been forced in any way by a low thermometer. It goes without saying that we are being warmed by the same sunshine, and that with the increasing prosperity of our neigh bors, so do we gather new patrons and supporters. It is three years to-day since the proprietors of this journal commenced their pilgrimage in Feilding, and during that time they have received warm and hearty support from all classes of the community. I The Star has thoroughly identified its interests with those of the place and its residents. Where these have been involved, a fair and honorable part has always been acted, and we may safely claim that the Star has done as much good, assisted by liberal support, as it is possible for humble mortals to achieve by their own efforts. We have had our share of the bad times, but we have borne our troubles and anxieties with an uncomplaining and patient spirit, for we have always been imbued with a firm faith that the future of Feilding and the Manchester Block would be a bright one. Each year's experience tends to confirm this belief, and in future years we trust we shall be able to look back on the past, and see how gradually but surely our hopes have, been one by one realised in the progress of the settlement and; in the prosperity and happiness of all around us. We have a double pleasure in congratulating our neighbors and fellow settlers on the golden age we are now entering into, first because of the good fortune secured to them, and secondly because unless they be rich we are poor indeed. To those, who have steadily supported us during the past three years we tender our most cordial thanks, and hope that the friendly relations established during that time,* based on mutual feelings of respect and. goodwill, will not be disturbed by any future neglect or omissions on either side. If such there should be on our part our readers may be assured that it is unintentional.