Birmingham Notes

Feilding Star, Volume XII, Issue 111, 12 March 1891, Page 2

Birmingham Notes

(from our own correspondent.) 'Tis a long time since my, last notes were written, but really times have not been stirring; farmers plodding on in ithe same quiet way ; tliose-with sheep to sell thankfully accepting the blessing of high prices and never asking the reason why ; those who sold too early and now wanting to buy cursing the fates that are always against them ; and the district is istill the same — always quiet. Even the Soluble book- agent has not been amongst us for some time to take orders for the " works that eyery sensible person' should possess." But the weather during the summer has been bad ; having a depressing effect on the farmers generally ; very much so on those who have bush to burn, and whose very living depends on getting stock on their land. Weasels have made their appearance in various parts of the district; but worse than even these pests the Special Reporter has been amongst us, jotting down the ungu. rJed speeches of the innocent farmer when doing his little blow, which, when read in some outside paper, make everyone wouder why he is still a plodding farmer, and not a millionaire as he should be with all his nous. And there has been amongst us yet another f pest— the newspaper canvasser. These geutlemen have gone the rounds sounding everyone, telliug the simple minded rustics that the views of the paper they " represent'" exactly coincide with their own, and it is the farmers' duty to " keep in touoh with the politics of the day," it is the farmer's duty to himself as an intellectual person, his duty to his party, and his duty to the state, to put down his name as a subscriber ; and the canvasser still lives, more's the pity. When, oh when, will the farmer be treated as a rational being, and when he wants a book, or paper, be allowed to order it '.without the guidance of these odious : agents ? I — l am overcome. . A meeting was held the other day. when ; a. proposal to form a Town Board at Birmingham was discussed. Only the following settlers were there, viz.: Messrs Fergusson (chair), London, Johus, Bathe, 1 Gerke, Hodge, Richardson, .VlcDerinott, and Munt,- the last named being the Secretary pro tern. It was resolved '• That the present meeting are of opinion that immediate steps should be taken for the formation of a Town Board at Birm ingham ; Mr McDormott is deputed by this meeting to obtain all necessary information for the above object, and report at next meeting." The next ; meeting will be held next Saturday week.