A VISITOR’S IMPRESSIONS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2831, 8 January 1925, Page 3

A VISITOR’S IMPRESSIONS.

“While motoring along some of the county roads and incidentally taking in the rich pastures, it struck, me that the Manawatu is perhaps one of the most fertile strips of country in the Dominion. True, about these parts were noticed areas of sandy land, but the time will come when even this neglected waste will be given attention and made to produce comparatively good pasture and cropping. But the productivity of the land has yet to be tried. Except in rare spots, so it would seem, is anything like intensive cultivation attempted. This district requires population. Much of the land could be subdivided into 50 acre farms with profit, provided owners did not ask too much for the unearned increment. in the purchasing price. 1 should say a legal limit of £45 per acre should be the price of firstclass land. Still, there are great possibilities for this district in the future, as the productivity of the land has not yet been scratched. “One cannot fail to notice the waste incurred in road maintenance by the perpetuation of unnecessary curves and bends —relics of the cow tracks —which could be obviated bystraightening and the capital cost saved in maintenance in a few years. I noticed this particularly on portion of the road leading from Palmerston N. to Foxton. I learn that this is to be a Main Highway, and so, probably, the Board .will remedy what must have been a wasteful piece of work for years by the governing authority. “I must say, however, that this district possesses wonderful possibilities for future advancement when compared to some' of the other parts of the North Island I have passed through. “I was particularly impressed with the lay-out of Palmerston N. with its charming garden squares, public playing areas and magnifi - cent esplanade, educational buildings and busy and progi|tssivc appearance. I must not forget the splendid roadway leading to this progressive centre. I do not wish to make comparisons, except to say that in my opinion it will not be long before Palmerston N. ranks as the leading provincial town of the North Island.

“Foxton possesses natural attractions which are not, I fear, fully appreciated by local dwellers who could do a little more boosting. You have a lovely expanse of water for boating, etc., and some nice reserves which could be given more attention by the planting of native trees and shrubs. Your broad Main Street is a credit, but this appears to be at the expense of the by-roads. Your public school building is one of the best I have seen in the primary class. You have too much uncultivated land about the town —again more population required. Public baths are a necessity in Foxton and I am surprised that you lack such a necessity. Your business premises compare more than favourably ..with towns of a similar population and there is an air of prosperity about your people. I hope the next time I happen along that; further progress will be evidenced.”