The Kaipara & Waitemata ECHO With which is incorporated "The Kaipara Advertiser & Waitemata Chronicle" Helensville, Thursday, Dec. 23rd CHRISTMAS, 1920.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 23 December 1920, Page 2

The Kaipara & Waitemata ECHO With which is incorporated "The Kaipara Advertiser & Waitemata Chronicle" Helensville, Thursday, Dec. 23rd CHRISTMAS, 1920.

Christmas is with us once again, with all its old-time associations and customs. It can perhaps be said that never in the history of New Zealand have the residents been, more justified in feeling thankful for the state of general conditions than at the present time.- True the cost of living shows an increase since last Christmas, but in most instances wageearners are receiving -higher remuneration. The price of wool being lower now than for several years, dairying must be regarded as the principal industry in New Zealand. No doubt it is in a very flourishing condition at the present time, and expansion is the order everywhere. In this district especially dairying has made wonderful strides, and the record at the lo,pal factory of over 50 per cent increase in cream supplied over any previous season indicates a very satisfactory position. The season has been a remarkable one for growth, and feed everywhere is abundant. With plenty of money being spent, tradespeople are experiencing a very prosperous time, and Helensville business-people report excellent returns for the Christmas season. During the year a fair amount of progress has been apparent, and notwithstanding the building restrictions, new residences and improvements to business places are gradually being completed. Before another year is past, residents hope to see as an established fact an electric light service, and the new storage dam in commission, (xoing afield, the country has passed through a very prosperous year. Money is fairly plentiful, due mainly to the good prices being obtained for certain lines of products, and land has gone up to fictitious values. The Dominion has its share of very poor people, despite its prosperity ; no doubt this class will receive fair consideration during the festive season, to lighten their weary lot somewhat. Christmas ! so let us eat, drink, and be merry to-da^ ; let the morrow take care of itself. We wish our readers A Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

The Postmaster-General notifies that owing to the short supply of suitable paper and the necessity fqr strict economy in this respect, it Was been found necessary to reduce the siae of the present telegram form. The new issue, which is half the size of the present form, will shortly be brought into use.