The Fielding Star. SATURDAY, DEC. 31, 1892.

Feilding Star, Volume XIV, Issue 82, 31 December 1892, Page 2

The Fielding Star. SATURDAY, DEC. 31, 1892.

1893 It is not unreasonable that we should accept the general prosperity of the colony, and the special prosperity of this district during the year just closed, as indicative of a period of still greater prosperity during the year on which we will enter to-morrow. The opening of the ports in the United States of America to our wool by the suggested adoption of a less stringent Protective tariff, the new markets being created in Great Britain for our produce in the shape of frozen meat and butter, must all exercise a wonderful influence for good on this colony as a whole. In our own immediate neighborhood, already the most progressive in the colony as regards increase of population by the settlement new land, several large private estates, and large areas of Crown Lands will be disposed of in the next few months, so that even the present rapid rate of progression must receive a new impetus. The excellence of the climate and the fertility of the soil have been direct causes of an increased demand for dairy stock, owing to the enormous quantity of butter capable of being produced, and the steady demaud for this article which has been established even within the last twelve months. It is not too much to say that every dairy farmer who understands his business, and who exercises ordinary care and judgment, combined with industry, is certain to do well. The outlook for sheep farmers is quite as favorable, for there are no signs now visible to lead an abservant onlooker to form any other opinion but that the prices now obtaining for good classes of wool will be advanced by next clip. The requirements for the frozen meat trade must have the effect of hardening the prices of sheep. One thing, that must not be lost sight of in this connection is that the utmost care in breeding will be absolutely necessary, and something better will be wanted for the local markets than sheep whose principal qualities lie in strength, endurance, and speed sufficient to enable them to be driven as " counters " from sale yard to sale yard by intinerant dealers. That is, perhaps, somewhat beside the main question, but still it is worth taking into account. The Town of Feilding has, during the last year or two, had many new and substantial business houses and private dwellings erected, but these have merely been for the convenience of their owners who were already established, while no provision of any kind, at least to any appreciable extent, had been made for the accommodation of families who were desirous of taking up their abodes in town without going to the expense of putting up new houses for themselves. We are aware that a movement in the required direction has already been made, and we have some hopes that this reproach to the town will not exist at the end of next year to the extent which it does at present. When the bridge over the , Oroua river, at Aorangi, is completed, which will be in the course of a few weeks now, a new impetus will also be given to local business of all kinds by the greater facilities settlers on the 1 adjacent lands, and on tin* other side 1 of the river, will have of bringing t)>ejr stock and produce to tl»« local markets, or for transit via tl»e FpiW-

ing Railway Station, to more distant ones. We look with some expectations ' < of having our hopes realised, that the Borough Council will endeavour to advance with the times and inaugurate ' a scheme for the erection of suitable Municipal Buildings, lighting, either i by gas or electricity, water supply and ' surface drainage. The gentlemen now composing the Council are in every way fitted to undertake these responsibilities, and to carry to a successful termination any works of the kind which they may undertake. In conclusion we can only hope that not only Feilding and surrounding districts, but the whole colony, will enjoy a prosperous and Happy New Year. We cordially endorse the following remarks, made by the Manawatu Daily Times, on the subject of the Longburn Freezing Company : — " It should be good news to the settlers of the dis trict that the above Company have again commenced operations, and we would urge upon all who have the interests of the sheep farming industry at heart (and that should include everyone) the necessity of fostering the institution to the utmost of their power. The prosperity — the very existence, perhaps — of the sheepfarraer and struggling bush settler depends, to a large extent, on keeping the local freezing works open, and in their own hands as at present, and all can assist a little, if only by sympathies and good wishes."