POVERTY BAY NOTES

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 895, 19 May 1903, Page 3

POVERTY BAY NOTES

jßy Our Travelling Representative.)

For the first time in five years I visited Gisborne, and a moro enjoyable visit has never been my lot to experience in a n y part of New Zealand. The people of Gisborne have a most happy nack of making a now-comer feel at home, and thus dispel the general feeling of reserve. Amongst my associates was the distinguished Mayor of Gisborne, Mr J. Townloy. Ho has such a happy and hearty tone of speech, one cannot (to use a lower phrase) help falling in love with him. From conversation with him for several hours, tho conclusion 1 formed was, that His Worship is a practical man, with pro-

gressive and practical views regarding social, political, municipal and industrial affairs. His energy displayed, and his grasp of all these important matters prove that Gisborno people have placed the “ right man ” in the “ right position.” I notice Gisborne has made good progress since my last visit, which roflccts creditably upon tho town's authorities and its population. Still there is no reason why it should not go ahead, even moro in the future than in the past, when we consider the magnificent land that surrounds the town, and its increasing extensive production value. Already Gisborne has initiated a railway service, and although a short line is much appreciated by the travelling public, no stone should bo left unturned to push this line rapidly further into tho interior, thus securing a larger support and moro business from the back country, besides opening up a new tourist route to Rotorua.

Tho dairying industry has, and still is making rapid strides, and I predict that within a few years this industry will more than double its present production, assisted by the extension of its operations into tho back country. In connection with this industry I regret that pig-raising or faming inis not been given the attention it deserves. There is yet a lot that can he demo in this way, and a good market awaits the expansion of farmer enterprise. If proper attention was paid to this branch of farming I reel certain farmers would bo well paid for their efforts. It seems almost incredible that America exports about MU tons of pork monthly to our cousins in Australia, but such is the case. Surely our farmers will lise to the occasion and endeavor to at least control a portion of this pork trade right at our hack door. Our climate, situation, and land are all that could be desired, and it only requires a little extra work (or push) on behalf of our farmers to secure this most profitable trade.