Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1879. THE CHRISTMAS SEASON.

Manawatu Herald, Volume II, Issue 35, 23 December 1879, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1879. THE CHRISTMAS SEASON.

♦- . The return of Chvistmastide naturally suggests a retrospect of the year now ebbing to its close. The Colony as a whole has felt the heavy depression existing throughout the world, but whilst in many districts commercial stagnation and numerous failures have been the result, Wanawatu has escaped with but little injury, only a very few bankruptcies having taken place, whilst these could in most cases be traced to the recklessness or improvidence of the persons concerned. Scarcity of money there has undoubtedly been, but the general thrift of the settlers has tided them over the worst of the crisis, and already we see the dawn of better things. In many parts of the district settlement lias gone on rapidly, and it is certain that the next census will show a large increase of population. It is therefore with some satisfaction that we contemplate the year now closing. The coming year should also prove prosperous to the district. In it some steps will doubtless be taken to improve the wharfage accorumoda-

tion at Foxton by tho expenditure of tho £15,000 voted for the work, thus : conferring a boon not only on the port, but also on the whole district. Then there is the Foxton-Otaki road, with which the County Council should make good progress during the coming year, and which, when completed, will open up some valuable country, besides materially shortening the distance between the two townships. Another matter we may refer to is the Sandon Railway. This scheme, if carried out, would prove a great boon to the whole South Manawatu, and we trust that something liko energetic and decided action will shortly ensue. 80 far as the Wellington Railway is concerned, it is useless to expect that the work of construction will be started during the year, as the Colonial finances will not admit of it. Nevertheless, the prospect of the Manawatu District is by no means a cheerless one. On the contrary, there is every reason for encouragement and hope, and such being the case, we are justified in wishing all our readers, A Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.