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Hokitika Guardian, 3 September 1930, Page 4

The lot of the dairy farmer is receiving a good deal of attention of late, both inside aiid outside Parliament. A writer in tire New' Zealand National Review regards the experiences of the avertge fnHnei'j liow6V6r s Hither Optimistically: In the course of a reply to statements by Captain Rnshwortli M.P. wherein the member told how the primary producer was crushed by taxation, the magazine writer traverses the statements at some length, Inter alia, be says: ‘‘But while our farmers must suffer ups and downs so long as their returns depend on world parity, and are fixed by external and not internal values, it is doubtful whether any dairy farmer who is cultivating the same farm as before the war (and did not mortgage it no to the hilt when land values soared) is worse off today than lie was in Iff]4. The penurious state of many of our suffering c n liners is largely due to having bought farms at fictitious values in boom years, the cost of overhead expenses being too burdensome for the butterfat cheques to bear.” The trouble is that so many did buy at boom prices! Tn the case of the returned soldiers’ settlements, boom prices prevailed generally. So with many farms in the North Island, the land was acquired at a high price, and in most instances secured only under mortgage. With the Irop in income due to the decreased urice for butter fat, the farmers oh the clear land have been beset with financial difficulties. Fortunately there are not ninny eases of the nature referred to in Westlandj with the result that those on the laild Are able to Stand up to their obligations, despite the difficult conditions. It is generally noticeable, also, that the farms of smaii area, Whore cultivation has to be more intensive, financial results do not produce serious stringency, The Af'Uhuru Valley is a ease ip point. The forms in that locality invariably wear a more prosperous aspect, Just at present on the turn of the seasons, the paddocks are uniformly clear and green. No doubt this is a result in a measure of the top-dressing, but the return is there already and an assurance of another good season. The local dairy factory .was started under rather unique conditions, but despite the drawbacks as to size, it has never looked back. The community from all accounts has enjoyed another good season, and the suppliers and shareholders will be presented with a satisfactory balance sheet for the year. This evidence of the success of good farm management, due no doubt to the limitation in size and the attention given to the restricted area, is proof of what can be achieved along reasonable lines. There are areas up and down the district which similarly treated, wop Id be no less satisfactory in returns, and such results appears to be one way of* answering successfully the drop in prices and the reduced means of income. It is for the farmer to get the best out of his holding by the most effective treatment, and his reward will be won.

New Spring hats opened to-day at Addisons. Inspection invited. —Advt.

Messrs Black and Stephens, motor carriers, notify they are running their motor lorries to and from Kokatahi and Koiterangi daily.

A ball will be held in the Kokatahi Pubic Hall on Wednesday, Sept. 10th. in aid of the hall funds. Music by Black Hand Orchestra.

The Official Assignee in bankruptcy notifies a first dividend of Is lid in the £ in the estate of Francis S. R. ,S. Orr.

Addison can show you the newest in house furnishings of every description. These have been carefully chosen ami will add charm to your home.—Advt.

A Blenheim man is chuckling over the revenge which he has secured' at the expense of a petrol thief. Recently he lost a case of motor-spirit from his garage, and decided to set a trap.' Accordingly he filled up two tins with water, placed them in a case, and awaited events. They have been duly stolen, and he is now interested in any' inbborist who appears to be having difficulty with tlte staftiilg handle:

The Christchurch “Times” say§: The rear mudguards of push cycles have now to be painted white, with a view to giving motor-drivers approaching from the rear a. bettor chance of seeing cyclists going in the same direction, This decision was made by the City Council oti Monday night, on a recommendation from the. By-laws Committee that an amendment be made in the by-law regulating bicycles, making it compulsory for such paint-

Mr Charles Plimmer, passed away on Monday'night (says a Press wire). The late Mr Plimmer was the fourth son of the late John Plimmer, who was generally known as “The Father of Wellington,” and to whose enterprise and public spirit the city and district owed much. Born in Wellington on 1848, the late Mr Charles Plimmer saw Wellington grow from a. vilvage settlement to a large and important city and port. He had a very clear memory of places, people and incidents in connection with Wellington history.

The ability to interpret the great thoughts of great literature, is surely one to be cultivated by the young people of every community. The opportunity therefore to listen to a master exponent of elocution is one not to be missed St. Paul’s Amateurs are placing such an opportunity within reach cif our local young people “by the visite Of Mr Button Ginger arid by the moderate charges fixed for his recital on Thursday week; The box pl&ii Will he open on Saturday and seats may then be booked every week day until 5.30 p.m. The low prices charged make it impossible to give further concessions excepting that children under 12 years of age, will be admitted downstairs for one shilling.

A motor accident occurred yesterday morning near the Twelve Mile, when a Ford lorry driven by Mr James Gotham-Porter, with a load, of coal, went off the road and capsized. The engine stalled coming up a steep grade, through running out of petrol. Another lorry, behind the Ford, was unable to pass, and it reversed downbill to level country. Tlie* driver of the Ford lorry did likewise, but on its reaching the level country, the side of tlie road gave way beneath the lorry’s weight, and the wheels on the right hand side went off the road, whereupon the load slipped, causing the vehicle to capsize. The driver, who was. thrown out, received bruises on his back and right temple, but after medical attention was given by Dr Meade, he was able to proceed to his home at Coal Creek.

A Wellington correspondent states: A careful counting of Parliamentary heads discloses, I am informed by those closely interested in the. fate of the Gaming Act Amendment Bill, that it will secure a majority in the House of Representatives. The Government has promised facilities for its discussion, but there are several other private members' Bills ahead of it on the order paper. Objectors, fearing that they are fighting a losing battle, usually resort .to stonewalling, and, if the time available for dealing with a measure is limited, this is quite effective in preventing its passage. Gaming Bill stonewalls can be anticipated at an early date. If the Bill passes the; House, its acceptance by the Legisla-; tive Council is regarded as certain, for that body has previously given approval to a similar Bill, which in due course was thrown out in the last Parliament by the Lower House. Except for a group of classes of the Estimates in which the Prime Minister is directly interested, there still remains the; long task of passing the expenditure for the year, and there is also a fair quantitv of minor but important machinery legislation to be introduced.. Thus the work ahead of Parliament should keep legislators in l Wellington for more than a month. Make up something worth while this summer. We can show you excellent value in Fuji Silks, Wyonese and Art Silks also a great variety in dainty coloured laces, suitable for trimming same. Addisons. —Advt. Whitebait are now making their appearance throughout the Coast. Patersons have just opened their now stock of whitebait netting, 80in. at Is lid nd 2s 6d yard. Be proparod for an rly run.—Advt,

Notifications of infectious diseases i received by the Health Department * during last week were:—Canterbury, scarlet fever 1, diphtheria 5, ' tuberculosis 8, pneumonia 2, erysipelas 2, eclampsia 1; West Coast, diphtheria 3 r pneumonic influenza 1. Two deaths; J occurred in Canterbury, one from tuberculosis and the oilier from pneumonia. The plain and fancy’ dress ball in aid of the Hospital funds takes place in the Soldiers Hall to-night, the first* dance taking place at 8.30 o’clock. The usual very complete arrangements have been made and there promises To be a large number of fancy dresses. The music will be provided by the M Melody Six with extras by the Parry- 4 phone, while the ladies’ committee ! have complete supper arrangements made. To-morrow evening there will be a fancy dress juvenile ball at which the School Orchestra will assist with the dance programme.. • .... Woods’ Great Peppermint Cur» First aid for Coughs, Colds. Influence,