AN OCCASIONAL LETTER.

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 70, 21 February 1918, Page 2

AN OCCASIONAL LETTER.

American hustling methods were put into the shade by a land deal at Matamata last week. About ten acres of Mr J. Pohlen's property, in the town area, were purchased by a couple of speculators on Wednesday afternoon, and the same evening a rough plan was drawn up. On Thursday morning the land, in areas from a quarter to two acres (fourteen sections in all), were put on the market and sold within two hours at from £7O per quarter-acre. Messrs Finnerty and Darby were the agents. This is " some selling," and shows that a demand exists for town sections no matter how far out, but unfortunately all are being purchased by local people, a number cf whom, also, are only speculating.

Most Matamata residents will connect the "poor innocent" of the following episode, which is given as "true gospel": —On Monday the writer met a wellknown resident with the remark, "You're looking sick, old man." " Yes," he said, " and so would you. You know that I'm a bit of a photographer. Well, I've been making a"speciality of children's photographs. Having had a bad day at the Hamilton • races I thought I would turn the art to account by acting professionally. On Sunday morning I quietly put a card up in the office stating ' Babies taken here.' And, now for the trouble; on Monday morning I found two babies on the office step." The writer said it was a ' crying ' shame that the card had been taken literally; but suggested that a home be started, and is now awaiting advertisements.

After an experience like that at the Hamilton races on Saturday food for doubt as to the Government's sincerity in advocating national efficiency is given. Despite the fact that no excursion trains were running the attendance at the meeting was the largest yet recorded. One would wonder how all the people reached the course until noticing the number of motor cars on the ground and outside. The fact was again made evident that the people will go to races, no matter how they get there; and will take the easiest mode of transit. In the case under notice the motor .car was the most convenient.' The question on the point of national efficiency is as to whether it is best and cheapest to run excursion trains or encourage people to travel by taxi. On a man-power basis there is no argument, for- each taxi requires a driver, who, if not engaged at the races, would be on other work. Boiled down it would seem that those who reap the harvest through the Government's attitude in cancelling excursion trains are the owners of American oil springs, and the manufacturers of American motor cars and parts. A letter written by a youngster who was on a visit to Matamata recently has just been returned to Matamata for perusal, and has kindly been lodged at the " Record " office. The letter is as follows:—" In olden times there used to be a lot of Maoris come through Matamata, but the hop beer is gradually killing them off —most residents say Matamata should have an hotel. Yesterday we saw a real Maori prince and his wife sitting on the footpath in front of the billiardroom eating dried shark procured by the Tauranga motor car. It seems a fine fish and smells like uncle Pat's goat. There are a lot of natural beauties at Matamata and bathing at Okauia, where the water is fine. If you are a girl and don't want to spoil the way your hair is done you can lie about in the bush, and need npt get wet. " The falls " is also a lovely .place,, and other natural beauties may be seen drawing vehicles in the main street."

Writing of/natural beauties reminds "Trebla" of his own natural gifts, and incidentally suggests putting on paper a " dirty " remark recently made to him, As you know he was engaged to sing at the Waharoa concert recently, and did fairly well. Next day he met a friend who asked how he got on. "Oh, very well," said the singer, " the manner in which my voice filled the hall greatly surprised me." " Yes," returned hi& friend, " and it surprises me too. I thought you were more likely to empty it." There is every prospect of the j married men of Matamata soon making love to " Kitty," at least ! so I am informed. I say married t men because they are Kitty's \ greatest devotees. If the meet- ' ing to form a bowling club is held it is almost certain that the project will be gone on with —and it will have to be commenced at once if a green is to be got ready for next season—and then wives

will possibly be disturbed in their slumbers by hubby's remark such as "I want you to run Kitty to me here," or " I kissed Kitty; shifted her a little, and got three." There are quite a lot of of bowlers in Matamata now who are anxiously awaiting to admire " Kitty's " smiling, shining face again. "TREBLA."